This week, Diane is joined by Ashley Andrews, an Integrative Nutrition & Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Instructor and Reiki Practitioner, who shares her inspiring journey into motherhood and the transformative practices that have guided her along the way. From navigating unexpected pregnancy and birth experiences to discovering the power of integrative nutrition, Reiki, and intuitive movement, Ashley's story is a testament to the resilience and wisdom that can emerge from life's twists and turns.

What We Cover:

Meet Ashley:

Ashley is an Integrative Nutrition & Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Instructor and Reiki Practitioner based in The Lehigh Valley. She began practicing Vinyasa when she was 14 years old and realized, “yoga is as much for the mind & soul as it is the body.” 

A few years later, Ashley discovered the universal law of attraction, began researching metaphysics and started teaching yoga classes while studying Mass Communications and Marketing at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania. At 19, she had her first Reiki session and understood the profound healing potential in energy work. That same month, she followed her inspiration and left to study abroad in Europe, where she lived for 3+ years and earned her Masters Degree in International Business Development at IPAG Business School in France. 

After finishing grad school in 2018, Ashley traveled to Goa, India, where she completed her first 500 hours of Yoga Teacher Training in the styles of Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha and Yin. In 2019, she received her Reiki L1 certification and became the Mind & Body Coordinator of a large health & wellness center in Allentown, PA. The following year, Ashley graduated from The Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) in New York, New York. She has since been attuned to the Master Level of Reiki and completed 15 hours of Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training through Tribe Yoga in Fogelsville, PA. 

Today, Ashley sees clients both online and offline in Full Circle Studio at Three Circles Therapeutics (New Tripoli, Pennsylvania). She blends the tools and practices she’s learned and used over the years for self healing to assist others along their journeys of transformation.

Ashley is a new mom to her son, Kai, and daughter, Mia. She enjoys spending time in nature with her family (which includes two Australian Shepards), getting out in the community, sourdough baking and various forms of art. 

Connect with Ashley:

https://www.valleymamma.com/

https://www.instagram.com/valleymamma

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With the holiday season in full swing, life can feel like a whirlwind of festive chaos. In this episode, Diane shares her top four “non-negotiable” self-care practices to stay grounded, healthy, and present during the holidays. From mindful movement to restful sleep, Diane opens up about how she protects her energy while embracing the season’s beautiful busyness.

🎄 Daily Movement as Self-Respect: Why gentle movement, like restorative yoga or a winter walk, keeps both body and mind in balance—even during the busiest time of year.

💊 Supplements & Immune Support: How vitamins like C, D, and zinc can strengthen your body when you’re surrounded by holiday germs (and how to build a consistent supplement routine).

🧘 Creating ‘Me Time’: Practical ways to carve out moments of solitude, from journaling and nature walks to mindful breathing—even when life feels nonstop.

😴 Prioritizing Rest Over Perfection: Why protecting your sleep (or sneaking in a power nap) can make all the difference when late-night celebrations start to stack up.

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your loved ones. Let’s embrace the holiday season with joy, grace, and plenty of self-care!

This week Diane welcomes two inspiring guests—her daughter Julia Ortega and her “adopted” daughter, Klea Soliman. Both are 23-year-old nurses navigating the ups and downs of their early 20s, from building careers in healthcare to prioritizing health and relationships. Together, they dive into the challenges of this transformative stage of life and share lessons on self-discovery, balance, and empowerment.

What We Cover:

Top Takeaways for Young Women:

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Join the Conversation: If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends! Whether you're navigating your 20s or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom for embracing this stage of life with confidence.

In this episode, Diane Ortega is joined by guest, Kari-Ann Hubbard, LAc, MSOM, a national board-certified acupuncturist and herbalist specializing in women's health, fertility, and perinatal care. Kari-Ann shares her extensive knowledge of Chinese medicine, explaining how this ancient practice takes a holistic approach to wellness by considering the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and environment. She also discusses her personal journey into this field and how it has helped her and her clients find balance and healing.

Key Topics:

If this episode has inspired you to explore the world of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, be sure to share it with a friend.

Resources & Connect with Kari-Ann:

To find a provider: 

https://www.nccaom.org (National Board certification) 

https://aborm.org  (Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive medicine) 

https://www.Acufinder.com 

Music effects on Perinatal mental health and labor pains: 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32763833/

Yang, et al (2021) "Effectiveness of acupuncture on anxiety disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials." 

https://annals-general-psychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12991-021-00327-5

https://lunaacupunctureaz.com/

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This week host Diane Ortega welcomes back Dr. Cara English, CEO of Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies. Together, they explore the critical and often overlooked topic of women’s mental health, including maternal mental health, perinatal care, and the role of midwives and healthcare providers in supporting holistic wellness.

Key Topics Covered:

Join the Conversation: 

If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with your friends and community. Your voice helps us reach more women, create a stronger support system, and spread the knowledge we all deserve. Remember: You’re not alone in your journey—together, we can foster a community of empowered, informed women.

Resources Mentioned:

Recommended Reads:

Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies

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In this episode of The Midwife Life, host Diane Ortega is joined by Alyssa Leon, founder and CEO of Cherry Blossom Doula Services. Together, they discuss Alyssa’s unexpected journey into the doula profession and the evolution of her solo practice into a thriving doula team. Alyssa opens up about the joys and challenges of supporting families through birth and postpartum care, and how her work has shaped both her career and her life. From establishing a successful practice to creating a sustainable work-life balance, Alyssa shares invaluable insights and experiences that will resonate with anyone passionate about birthwork and supporting women.

Listeners will gain an in-depth look at how Alyssa has expanded her offerings, founded Root & Rice Collective, and how she’s now empowering other birth professionals through mentorship and community collaboration. This candid conversation highlights the importance of aligning integrity and sustainability within the doula community while emphasizing the need for self-care and balance.

Key Takeaways:

Did you enjoy this episode? 

Subscribe to The Midwife Life for more empowering conversations about birth, postpartum care, and women’s health. Leave a review and share with friends who would benefit from these inspiring stories and expert insights. Your story matters—reach out and share it with us!

Resources Mentioned:

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In this compelling episode of The Midwife Life, host Diane Ortega sits down with Dr. Cara English, CEO of Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies and an expert in perinatal mental health. Together, they explore the often overlooked but critical subject of mental health for women during pregnancy and postpartum. Dr. English shares her expertise on recognizing, understanding, and addressing perinatal mental health conditions, offering actionable advice and insights on building supportive systems that promote well-being for women at every stage.

Key Takeaways:

Did you enjoy this episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Midwife Life for more insightful discussions on women’s health, pregnancy, and postpartum care. Share this episode with a friend or leave a review to help us reach more listeners on their health and wellness journeys. Together, we can make a difference.

Resources Mentioned:

Recommended Reading:

Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies

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In this premiere episode of The Midwife Life, host Diane Ortega sits down with Michelle Ludwig, an experienced birth doula and passionate advocate for women’s health. Together, they delve into the vital roles of midwives and doulas, how they work hand-in-hand to support birthing parents, and the unique benefits they bring to pregnancy and postpartum journeys.

Michelle shares her personal journey from client to doula and offers insights into the collaborative dynamic between midwives and doulas in various birth settings. This episode emphasizes the transformative impact of feeling supported and empowered during childbirth and explores why every birthing parent deserves access to a nurturing birth team.

Key Takeaways:

Did you enjoy this episode? 

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends who would benefit from feeling empowered and supported through their own birth journeys. Your story matters—reach out and share it with us!

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Michelle on Instagram:

@the.motherhood.co: https://www.instagram.com/the.mother.hood.co/

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Welcome to The Midwife Life, the podcast that empowers and educates women on all things related to pregnancy, birth, postpartum care, and careers in healthcare. I'm Diane Ortega, a midwife with 16 years of experience, the co-owner of three successful freestanding birth centers, and proud mom to four. I'm thrilled to have you join me on this journey as we explore the world of women's health together.

I believe that knowledge is power, and I hope that each episode leaves you feeling informed and ready to take control of your own health. Whether it's understanding the options available to you, advocating for yourself in a health care setting, or simply knowing that you're not alone, I want you to leave each episode feeling stronger and more equipped. But this podcast is also about community.

I want to create a space where we can learn from each other, share our stories, and find strength in our shared experiences.

So whether you're here to learn more about midwifery, to find support in your own health care journey, or just hear some incredible stories from women around the world, I'm so glad you're here.

Remember, empowered women empower women. Now let's take this journey together.

Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.midwife.life.co/

Website: themidwifelife.co

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Midwife-LifeCo/61559303575840/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/themidwifelife/