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In this episode of the Aligned Birth Podcast, hosts Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael delve into the essential aspects of preconception health. They discuss the importance of managing stress, optimal nutrition, physical health preparation, movement and exercise, and understanding hormonal health to optimize fertility. 

Takeaways

• Preconception health is crucial for both partners.
• Nutrition plays a significant role in fertility and pregnancy health.
• Exercise and movement can enhance overall well-being and fertility.
• Understanding your menstrual cycle can empower your conception journey.
• A holistic approach to health can improve fertility outcomes.
• Reducing environmental toxins can positively impact reproductive health.
• Incorporating whole foods into your diet is foundational for preconception health.
• Creating a supportive care team is vital for a healthy pregnancy journey. 
• Chronic stress negatively impacts hormonal balance.
• Gut health is closely linked to mental and emotional well-being.
• Open communication with partners is crucial during the preconception phase.
• Understanding and managing expectations can reduce disappointment.
• Chiropractic care can support overall health and fertility.
• Consistency in health habits is key to achieving desired outcomes.

Resources mentioned:
Katie Dudley - https://integrativefitnessandwellness.liveeditaurora.com/
Melinda Delisle - https://confidentpregnancy.com/
Schaefer protocol   - Dr. Marcia, ICPA instructor epigenetics class
Lily Nichols
Dr. Aviva Romm
Taking Charge of Your Fertility

Previous episodes mentioned:
Episode 151: Hug your Hormones
Episode 171: Rest and Resiliency 

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Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

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Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.  

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In this episode of The Aligned Birth Podcast, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael share life updates, touching on parenting challenges, school transitions, youth sports, and personal growth. They explore mental health, self-care, and balancing work with family life, while reflecting on their podcast journey. The discussion highlights resilience, advocacy, and creating sustainable practices in both personal and professional spheres.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Life Updates
03:00 Navigating Busy Lives
06:03 Family Dynamics and School Life
08:55 Travel Adventures and Experiences
12:04 Involvement in School Activities
14:51 Sports and Extracurricular Activities
17:59 High School Transition and Challenges
22:51 Finding the Right Program for Ethan
27:10 The Importance of Support and Encouragement
29:46 Establishing Healthy Boundaries
33:37 Creating Space for Mental Health
39:11 The Journey of Self-Care and Therapy
44:50 Reflections on Business Growth and Balance
45:56 Navigating the Challenges of Birth Work
49:52 Creating Sustainable Doula Practices
51:36 Advocacy and Professional Growth in Doula Work
56:47 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey
01:02:59 Looking Ahead: Plans for 2025

Support the show

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.  

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In this special episode, we’re thrilled to share some exciting changes coming to The Aligned Birth Podcast. We’re transitioning to a new seasonal structure, complete with intentional breaks for rest and creativity. This shift will allow us to dive deeper into specific topics that matter most to you.

As part of this new direction, we’ll be bringing in expert guests for insightful interviews and exploring fresh content formats to keep our discussions engaging and relevant. We're excited about this evolution and the opportunity to grow our community, reaching more listeners like you.

Tune in to hear all about our plans for the future and how we aim to continue supporting you on your journey with even more focused, thoughtful episodes.

Support the show

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.  

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In this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael explore the often-overlooked but essential aspect of self-care: rest. 

Rest is much more than just sleep—it's a holistic practice that encompasses physical, mental, emotional, sensory, creative, social, and spiritual well-being. They dive into why prioritizing rest, even in our busiest moments, is crucial for maintaining balance and resilience.

Discover how incorporating rest into your daily routine can enhance your overall well-being, whether through restorative yoga, a peaceful walk, or simply finding moments of stillness. We'll discuss practical strategies for achieving different types of rest, including minimizing sensory overload, engaging in different hobbies, and setting boundaries in a hyper-connected world.

Join them as they unpack the importance of rest as a fundamental right and necessity—not something that needs to be earned, but something that should be woven into the fabric of our lives. This episode will leave you with valuable insights on how to balance grit with rest, honor your unique needs, and ultimately, thrive in both body and mind.

Support the show

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.  

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In this episode Dr. Shannon interviews Brenda Parrish, a certified professional midwife, about midwifery care and postpartum care. Brenda shares her journey into midwifery, her passion for providing mothers with the kind of birth experience she wished she had, the importance of postpartum care and the challenges faced by midwives in Georgia. They discuss the importance of informed decision-making and the need for balance between home birth and hospital birth. Brenda also highlights the significance of chiropractic care and childbirth education in preparing for birth. She shares her passion for providing comprehensive postpartum care and her new business venture, Nurtured Beginnings. They also touch on topics such as preconception counseling, body image after birth, and the need for better healthcare support for new mothers.  The conversation concludes with a discussion about the challenges faced by midwives in Georgia and the need for legislative change. 

Resources:

National Associate of Certified Professional Midwives

Connect with Brenda:

Instagram

Traditional Birth Services

A Midwife’s Guide to Postpartum

Support the show

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.  

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Stress can play a complex role in our lives—while certain types of stress, like eustress (good stress), can be beneficial, chronic stress can have negative impacts on your physical and emotional well-being. In this episode, Doula Rachael and Dr. Shannon explore 7 practical ways to manage stress during challenging times, drawing from a blog Dr. Shannon wrote several years ago. They delve into how these strategies can be particularly effective in navigating the natural and unexpected stressors of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.

In this episode, they cover:

- How regular chiropractic care can build your body's adaptability reserves
- The benefits of exercise and exposure to sunlight
- Breathing techniques for pregnancy and postpartum
- The role of meditation, prayer, and birth affirmations
- Connecting movement and breath through yoga
- Using essential oils aromatically during labor
- Journaling as a tool for emotional processing
- And more!

This episode emphasizes the practical tools and techniques discussed, highlighting their relevance to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Episode 73: 5 benefits of  prenatal chiropractic care
• Episode 70: Tips for exercise during pregnancy 
• Episode 61: Breathing exercises for pregnancy and postpartum
• Episode 85: Visualization techniques for birth and life 
• Episode 96: Prenatal and postpartum yoga
• Episode 35: Essential oils for pregnancy, labor, birth 

Support the show

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.  

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Rebroadcast 143.We spend so much time during pregnancy focusing on labor and birth.  We get it.  That’s where most of the fear and the unknown occurs, during labor and birth.  It would make sense to focus on that.  However, once baby arrives, it can be a literal whirlwind, and it can be very difficult to take care of yourself mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually if you haven’t put some thought into planning for the postpartum.  In today’s episode we share 7 areas where you can focus your postpartum planning.  

Dr. Shannon’s postpartum planning blog

North Atlanta Birth Services postpartum planning class

Takeaways

• Planning for the postpartum period is crucial and often overlooked.
• Education and resources are essential for understanding the changes and challenges of the postpartum period.
• Creating a postpartum support team, including professionals and trusted individuals, is important for receiving the necessary support.
• Preparing the home and creating a supportive environment can contribute to a smoother postpartum recovery.
• Self-care planning is crucial for both parents to ensure their physical and emotional well-being during the postpartum period.
• Open communication with partners is essential for understanding each other's needs and creating a supportive postpartum experience. Understanding the bigger picture of postpartum helps individuals identify what's most important to them and set themselves up for success.
• Emotional wellbeing during the postpartum period can be protected by front-loading communication, preparing for support, and seeking professional help from prenatal or perinatal mental health counselors.
• Multiple touch points for support, such as chiropractic care, doula services, and lactation support, are essential for navigating the challenges of postpartum.
• Seeking help and support early in the postpartum period can lead to quicker healing and a better overall experience.

Support the show

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.  

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In today’s episode, Doula Rachael and Dr. Shannon discuss managing expectations as it pertains to birth (and beyond). As a doula and a prenatal chiropractor, we are intimately involved in helping women navigate not only the physical side of birth, but the emotional aspect too. In this episode, they cover:

• Diving deeper into how you were informed about childbirth.
• How to prepare for childbirth in a meaningful and effective way.
• How to navigate the birthing process and the importance of “being the bamboo”.
• How the gap between our expectations and reality can lead to guilt and shame about our birth and how to reduce the gap.
• How your worth is not dependent upon how you give birth.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Episode 86: Important Things to Consider When Choosing a Care Provider

Episode 76: Five Benefits of Labor Doula Support

Episode 66: Prenatal and Postpartum Pelvic Floor Therapy

Episode 46: Role of Chiropractic and Childbirth Education

Episode 44: You’re Not Alone with Shannon Weist, Perinatal Mental Health Counselor

Episode 33: Building Your Birth Support Team

Episode 17: All About Birth Doulas with Rachael

Episode 19: All About Prenatal Chiropractic Care with Dr. Shannon

Support the show

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.  

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Rebroadcast of ep 124:
As you near the end of your pregnancy, and if you’re planning to birth at a hospital, then you might be wondering “when during my labor, do I need to go to the hospital?”  In this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael chat about the benefits of laboring at home as long as possible as it pertains to potentially avoiding interventions and using the comfort of your own home to move through early labor.

They discuss:

The stages of labor and an overview of early labor 

Ways to rest during early labor

What the shift into active labor is like 

Early labor coping mechanisms 

Doula and chiropractic support during early labor

Contraction guidelines for when to go to the hospital

Resources mentioned:

Episode 61: Finding your breath - 5 breathing exercises for pregnancy and postpartum

Episode 54: Navigating the final weeks of pregnancy

Episode 24: Comfort during labor 

Support the show

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.  

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This conversation explores the importance of pushing positions during labor and childbirth. Doula Rachael and Dr. Shannon discuss the myth of a single pushing position and emphasize the benefits of using gravity and changing positions. They highlight the downside of pushing on your back and the importance of listening to your body's natural instincts. The role of comprehensive childbirth education and the support of a doula in advocating for pushing positions in a hospital setting are also discussed. The conversation concludes with a focus on upright pushing positions and the benefits of water birth and aquatic positions. This conversation explores the importance of movement during labor and the limitations of medical interventions. It discusses the impact of epidurals on position changes and the challenges that may arise. The conversation also highlights the role of chiropractic care and pelvic floor physical therapy in facilitating efficient pushing. It emphasizes the importance of advocating for one's desired pushing positions and staying curious throughout the birthing process.

Support the show

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.