In this episode of the Yoga Bellies and Babies Podcast, host Krishna Hassomal converses with Katie Mellor, a prenatal and postnatal yoga instructor at Krish Yoga Studio.

Katie shares her deeply personal story of preparing for a home birth only to find that her newborn would need immediate surgery, leading to an unexpected three-month NICU journey.

This conversation touches on the transformative power of yoga in managing both natural and medicalized births, the importance of identifying non-negotiables in a birth plan, and the challenges of maintaining maternal instincts and well-being in a highly medicalized environment.

We also delve into the intricacies of breastfeeding and expressing milk for NICU babies and the emotional rollercoaster of the 4th trimester while navigating such a challenging period.

Katie's story is an inspiring testament to resilience, adaptability, and the importance of comprehensive support for all types of births.

00:00 Welcome to the Yoga Bellies and Babies Podcast

02:28 Katie's Role and Passion in Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga

02:58 Yoga and Childbirth: Getting Out of Your Head

08:04 Katie's High-Risk Pregnancy

10:19 Reflecting on Birth Plans and Non-Negotiables

17:25 The Birth Experience: From Hospital Arrival to Delivery

22:36 Post-Birth Reflections and the Importance of Non-Negotiables

27:48 Navigating the Fourth Trimester in the NICU

37:28 Breastfeeding Challenges and Advice

46:21 The Importance of NICU Awareness

50:05 Evolving Perspectives on Birth and Yoga

53:58 Final Thoughts and Contact Information