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Discovering Thyroid Cancer and Pregnancy with Dr. Alison Chen

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Cindy welcomes her dear friend and colleague, Alison, to share her transformative life journey. From naturopathic school beginnings alongside Dr. Cindy to a life filled with travel, motherhood, and profound self-discovery amidst unexpected challenges.

Key Topics:

• Naturopathic Beginnings:
  • Both hosts graduated from naturopathic school together.
  • The challenging path to board certification.
• Traveling Lifestyle:
  • Post-graduation gap year in Thailand leading to continuous family travels.
  • Balancing nomadic living with raising children.
• Letting Go of the License:
  • Transition into full-time motherhood.
  • Finding joy and fulfillment outside traditional career paths.
• Navigating Miscarriages & Fertility Challenges:
  • Personal insights on multiple miscarriages (8 total).
  • Emotional struggles and societal expectations surrounding fertility issues.
• Facing Cancer Diagnosis:
  • Discovering thyroid cancer at the same time as finding out about her pregnancy.
  • Managing contrasting emotions of pregnancy amidst illness diagnosis.
• Life’s Turning Points & Self-Awareness:
  • How major life events reshape perspectives on happiness and existence.
• Emotional Vulnerability & Healing Practices:
  • Importance of video journaling during vulnerable moments for personal insight.
  • Exploring throat chakra healing related to expressing oneself authentically.

Insightful Quotes:

"It's not just about wanting one more better day; I wanted more of everything—heartbreaks included."

"The irony was having something you want growing inside you while also dealing with something you didn’t want to grow inside you."

Follow Alison on Instagram @dralisonchen

For further updates or inquiries regarding upcoming episodes featuring inspiring stories like these centered around resilience through adversities find us on Instagram @rewireforbirth. 

Remember that each challenge holds potential lessons waiting to unfold if we allow ourselves the grace to embrace them fully without reservation!

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In this episode, Dr. Cindy is joined by Vera Kevic, a seasoned birth doula and childbirth educator with over a decade of experience. The conversation dives into various birth environments, contrasting high-risk hospital settings with home births and birthing centers. Vera is a strong advocate for informed consent in labour, birth and early postpartum and highlights the critical roles doulas and partners play in creating a supportive atmosphere for the birthing process.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Vera's Journey to Becoming a Doula: How Vera's experiences led her to the path of birthwork and activism.
2. The Importance of Informed Consent: Exploring the significance of informed consent in the birthing process and understanding birth plans.
3. Navigating Inductions and Interventions: Analyzing the cascading interventions often seen in hospital settings, and the challenges faced during inductions.
4. The Role of Partners and Support Systems: How doulas and partners can provide critical support during labor.
5. The Impact of Epidurals on Birth Experience: Discussing the influence of epidurals and other interventions on the birthing experience.
6. The Power of Language During Labor: Understanding how language and communication impact birth experiences.
7. Challenges in Accessing Midwifery Services: The current state of midwifery access and the reforms needed in hospital birth practices.
8. Empowering Birth Choices: Advocating for better birth experiences and understanding the role of midwives and birth centers.
9. Personal Birth Stories: Vera shares her insights from a malpractice lawyer's birth experience and the realities of induction consent forms.
10. Future of Birth Practices: Discussing what the future holds for birth practices and the importance of empowerment and trust in birth.

Insights Shared by Vera:

• Birthwork as activism: How Vera sees her role as a doula as part of a larger movement towards better birth experiences.
• The importance of prenatal classes in preparing for birth.
• Variations in birth and medical practices across different environments.
• The empowering nature of informed choices during birth.

Takeaways:

• Understanding the role of consent, partners, and support systems in creating a positive birth experience.
• Challenging common myths about epidurals and hospital interventions.
• The significance of language, communication, and personal empowerment during labor.

For more information on Vera's services and upcoming online childbirth classes, visit her website at Doulasonbikes.com.

Remember: "Empowerment in birth comes from informed choices and a strong support system." - Vera Kevic

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In this episode, Dr. Cindy is joined by Vera Kevic, a seasoned birth doula and childbirth educator with over a decade of experience. The conversation dives into various birth environments, contrasting high-risk hospital settings with home births and birthing centers. Vera is a strong advocate for informed consent in labour, birth and early postpartum and highlights the critical roles doulas and partners play in creating a supportive atmosphere for the birthing process.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Vera's Journey to Becoming a Doula: How Vera's experiences led her to the path of birthwork and activism.
2. The Importance of Informed Consent: Exploring the significance of informed consent in the birthing process and understanding birth plans.
3. Navigating Inductions and Interventions: Analyzing the cascading interventions often seen in hospital settings, and the challenges faced during inductions.
4. The Role of Partners and Support Systems: How doulas and partners can provide critical support during labor.
5. The Impact of Epidurals on Birth Experience: Discussing the influence of epidurals and other interventions on the birthing experience.
6. The Power of Language During Labor: Understanding how language and communication impact birth experiences.
7. Challenges in Accessing Midwifery Services: The current state of midwifery access and the reforms needed in hospital birth practices.
8. Empowering Birth Choices: Advocating for better birth experiences and understanding the role of midwives and birth centers.
9. Personal Birth Stories: Vera shares her insights from a malpractice lawyer's birth experience and the realities of induction consent forms.
10. Future of Birth Practices: Discussing what the future holds for birth practices and the importance of empowerment and trust in birth.

Insights Shared by Vera:

• Birthwork as activism: How Vera sees her role as a doula as part of a larger movement towards better birth experiences.
• The importance of prenatal classes in preparing for birth.
• Variations in birth and medical practices across different environments.
• The empowering nature of informed choices during birth.

Takeaways:

• Understanding the role of consent, partners, and support systems in creating a positive birth experience.
• Challenging common myths about epidurals and hospital interventions.
• The significance of language, communication, and personal empowerment during labor.

For more information on Vera's services and upcoming online childbirth classes, visit her website at Doulasonbikes.com.

Remember: "Empowerment in birth comes from informed choices and a strong support system." - Vera Kevic

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In this episode, we are joined by Jessica Sennet, a seasoned professional who brings both personal and professional wisdom to the table regarding women's health before, during, and after pregnancy. She shares her unique journey from actress to fitness expert and discusses how she became passionate about helping mothers navigate the challenges of pregnancy and postpartum life.

Key Points Discussed:

• Jessica's Background: From acting in New York City to becoming a fitness enthusiast and eventually transitioning into prenatal and postnatal training.
• The Importance of Fitness During Pregnancy: Debunking myths around fragility during pregnancy; advocating for moderate exercise as per 2019 Canadian guidelines.
• Mental Benefits of Exercise: Stress relief through movement is emphasized alongside physical benefits.
• Pelvic Floor Health: Exploring misconceptions about pelvic floor exercises like Kegels; emphasizing relaxation & control over strength for childbirth preparation.
• Core System Dynamics During Pregnancy: Understanding changes in diaphragm, transverse abdominals, pelvic floor muscles due to pressure from a growing baby.
• Dispelling Exercise Myths in Pregnancy: Addressing outdated advice on lifting heavy objects or avoiding certain movements.
• Guidance & Community Support: The importance of finding knowledgeable professionals to assist with safe exercise modifications throughout each trimester.

Insights Shared by Jessica:

1. Pregnant women are not fragile but powerful beings capable of incredible transformations.
2. Proper exercise can ease labor pains mentally and physically while setting up successful recovery postpartum.
3. Misinformation often leads women away from beneficial activities out of fear—knowledgeable guidance is crucial.
4. Pelvic floor control (engagement & relaxation) is more critical than mere strength when preparing for delivery.

Takeaways:

1. Engage in moderate-intensity exercises tailored specifically for your stage in pregnancy under professional supervision if possible. 
2. Your body goes through significant changes during pregnancy that affect your core system; it’s vital to understand these dynamics rather than fear them 
3. Pelvic floor coordination should be part of prenatal care routines — not just strengthening but also learning how to relax those muscles effectively.

Remember:"You're creating a freaking human being… That's the most badass thing on the planet." - Jessica Senne

Find more about Jessica at www.mightymom.ca , follow her on IG @mightymomtraining and @mightymomjess

Join us next time as we continue empowering conversations that support motherhood journeys at every stage!

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In this episode of Birth Uncensored, we dive into Dr. Cindy’s second birth story with her daughter Vienna. This episode continues from part one where she talks about her first daughter’s uncensored birth story and delves deeper into the emotional and physical experiences of childbirth. In this episode, Melissa and Dr. Cindy discuss Cindy’s desire for a free or unassisted birth, managing expectations during labor, and dealing with unforeseen circumstances amidst a pandemic.

Key Points Discussed:

• Desire for Free Birth: Dr. Cindy wanted to attempt an unassisted birth at home with midwife support post-delivery.
• Psychological Impact: Melissa raises questions about whether wanting a free birth affected Dr. Cindy psychologically during labor.
• Prenatal Mental Health Challenges: Contrasts between first and second pregnancies are highlighted, especially regarding mental health struggles due to relationship with partner, addiction, mother’s cancer journey and global pandemic restrictions.
• Labour Starts with a Punch: Dr. Cindy shares how she was woken up by a “cervical punch” sensation signaling the start of labor which led to a fast and furious birth experience.
• Surrendering Control: Dr. Cindy emphasizes the importance of letting go amid chaos in life circumstances that mirrored her birthing process.
• The Speedy Delivery: Details on how quickly everything progressed once active labor started leading up to an almost immediate transition phase.
• Post-Birth Reflections: Melissa and Dr. Cindy discuss feelings immediately following delivery including shock and awe; also touches upon having more time before transitioning would have been preferred.
• Midwife Arrival Post-Birth: What areas did Dr. Cindy wish she approached differently 

Memorable Moments:

1. Prenatal anxiety & depression: Dr. Cindy experienced prenatal depression/anxiety during pregnancy amidst partner’s addiction concerns and mother undergoing cancer treatment.
2. Water Breaking & Intense Labor: Describes being woken by sharp pain followed by water breaking; things escalated rapidly thereafter leading straight into active labor without much respite or preparation time.
3. Free Birthing Reality vs Expectation: Dr. Cindy had envisioned a certain type of birthing experience but had to adapt quickly due to circumstances beyond control such as rapid progression of labor stages.
4. Motherhood Bonding Post-Delivery: Touching moment when Dr. Cindy’s mother arrives shortly after grandchild's birth creating intimate family bonding.
5. Big Sister Meets Baby Sister: Sweet interaction is shared where Valencia meets her newborn sister 
6. What’s in a name?: Dr. Cindy explains why she chose ‘Lotus’ as Vienna’s middle name and its significance 

Learn more about our Rewire for Birth Program Here.

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In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the raw and real aspects of childbirth with our recurring guest, Melissa Horlick. Our segment, titled "Birth Uncensored," aims to share not only the beautiful moments but also the challenging ones that are often left untold. We discuss how birth stories contribute to our collective wisdom and can be a profound learning experience for expecting parents.

Key Points Discussed:

• The Power of Birth Stories: The quote from Pregnancy & Newborn magazine emphasizes the importance of sharing birth stories as part of our oral history.
• Men's Perspective on Birth: A conversation about how men process their experiences during childbirth differently than women.
• Preparation for Childbirth: Insights into preparing both mentally and physically for labor at home, including setting up a comfortable environment conducive to an efficient birthing process.
• Labor Experience: An honest recounting of early labor signs, sensations during contractions, and personal coping mechanisms such as finding comfort in familiar spaces like the bathroom ("the dilation station").
• Support System Dynamics: Understanding when to call midwives or doulas based on progression cues like feeling an urge to push; partner involvement in preparation tasks.

Personal Moments Shared:
1. Pre-labor preparations involving intimate moments between partner
2. Sensations experienced throughout different stages of labor
3. Utilizing environmental factors (music/scent/lighting) for comfort
4. Emotional response and instinctual behaviors exhibited during intense phases

Tips Mentioned:

1. Prepare your bed effectively for home birth scenarios
2. Consider using scents you associate with calmness throughout your pregnancy during labor
3. Vocalize low tones during contractions which may help in dilation
4. Recognize what type of support you prefer while giving birth (physical touch vs space)

Conclusion:
This episode encourages listeners to embrace all facets associated with giving birth — from joyous celebrations down to visceral challenges — ultimately underscoring that every experience is unique yet universally significant.

Learn more about how you can rewire your mind for birth at:  

https://cindytahhan.thrivecart.com/rewire-live-8-week-program/

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Welcome to our latest episode where we're joined by the inspiring Dr. Kate Purvis, a naturopathic doctor, lactation consultant, holistic sleep coach, and all-around advocate for maternal health. Dr. Kate shares her journey from conventional medicine, aspirations influenced by her family, to discovering her passion for treating patients holistically.

In This Episode:

• Journey into Naturopathy: Learn about Dr. Kate's path to becoming a naturopathic doctor—her quest for deeper patient relationships and treating the whole person.
• Postpartum Realities: Discover the often unspoken challenges of postpartum life that many new mothers face—including breastfeeding struggles, sleep deprivation, isolation, and lack of preparation.
• Treating Mom & Baby Together: Understand why addressing both mother and baby as a unit (the dyad) is crucial for their mutual health and well-being.
• Support Beyond Birth: Explore how societal focus shifts dramatically after childbirth from mother to baby—and why continued support is vital in preventing mood disorders, autoimmune diseases, etc.
• Breastfeeding Insights:
  • The magic of skin-to-skin contact and the "breast crawl"
  • Why tracking feeds might not always be helpful
  • Pain during breastfeeding: When it's normal vs. when it signals an issue
• Relationship Dynamics Post-Birth: Delve into how having a child affects partnerships and what can be done pre-birth to prepare.

Key Takeaways:

1. Holistic care treats both mom & baby together—this approach benefits long-term health.
2. Immediate postpartum period needs more attention; women require support beyond just physical recovery.
3. Establishing breastfeeding early through skin-to-skin contact sets up a strong foundation but remember—it may not come naturally at first!
4. Open communication with partners before birth can alleviate potential stressors later on.
5. Seeking help if experiencing pain while breastfeeding is important; don't endure silently.

Enjoy this insightful conversation filled with practical advice that underscores the importance of nurturing maternal health alongside infant care—a must-listen whether you're expecting or already navigating motherhood! Follow Dr. Kate on IG @drkatepurvis and check out her website: www.wholehealthbaby.com

Remember to subscribe for more empowering discussions around motherhood, wellness, and holistic living

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Join us for an intimate conversation with Melissa, a new member of the Rewire For Birth team. Dive into our candid discussion about body image throughout pregnancy and postpartum life.

Key Points Discussed:

• Finding Confidence in VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean): Listen to one of our most downloaded episodes featuring Melissa's birth story.
• Introducing "Mom Brain" Mini Episodes: A series focusing on the thoughts and experiences of two moms navigating parenthood.
• Body Image Insights:
  • The liberating feeling some women experience during pregnancy when showing off their baby bump confidently.
  • Addressing preconceived notions about weight gain during pregnancy and its impact on self-image.
  • Cultural influences on body image perceptions before, during, and after pregnancy.

Personal Experiences Shared:

• Melissa's Journey:
  • Overcoming fears related to body changes during pregnancy.
  • Embracing her pregnant body with confidence contrary to expectations.
• Cindy’s Reflections:
  • Positive reinforcement received from others while pregnant versus post-birth commentary shift concerning getting back in shape.

Strategies for Healthy Body Image:

• Setting strong boundaries around discussions concerning your body by family members or friends, especially in front of children.
• Reframing mindset towards nourishing both mother's and baby’s bodies instead of focusing solely on physical appearance or returning to pre-pregnancy form.

Cultural Commentary & Family Dynamics:

• Discussion around Middle Eastern cultural norms involving open conversations about others' bodies without considering personal boundaries or feelings involved.

Postpartum Realities & Adjustments:

• Acceptance that it may take years rather than weeks to feel like oneself again after childbirth due to hormonal shifts, sleep schedules, etc.
• Importance of maintaining personal identity alongside motherhood through self-care practices.

We also wanted to mention here that we wished we spoke about the importance of how we speak about our own bodies to ourselves and in front of our children, especially our daughters, so they have an example of acceptance and reverence of the human form in all phases of life. 

This episode emphasizes the need for a cultural shift toward understanding that true recovery after childbirth takes time—potentially years—and should be approached with compassion both internally as well as externally from society at large.

Remember to listen to Episode 11  "Finding Confidence in VBAC" for more insights into Melissa’s journey! Stay tuned for more episodes under our "Mom Brain" series where we delve deeper into various aspects of motherhood.

Make sure to folllow us on IG: @drcindytahhan

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Welcome to an intimate conversation about the highs, lows, and unexpected adventures of parenthood with stand-up comic, actor and writer Chris Robinson and his wife Genevieve Pellettier. The couple shares their personal story from discovering they were pregnant during a road trip to making choices that shaped their family life.

Key Takeaways:

• Unexpected Joy: Learn how Chris and Genevieve navigated the surprise of pregnancy while on a roadtrip and nowhere to live.
• Making a Birth Choice: Dive into why Genevieve chose a natural birth at the Toronto Birth Center, supported by midwives.
• Midwifery vs. OB/GYN Care: Discover the differences in care between midwives and conventional medical systems, highlighting personalized attention.
• Empowered Birthing: Hear about the empowering effect of documentaries like "The Business of Being Born" on Genevieve's approach to childbirth.
• Homecoming Post-Birth: Experience through their eyes bringing home a newborn within hours after delivery - challenges included!
• Breastfeeding Journey: Gain insights into breastfeeding challenges and resources like La Leche League that helped them persevere.
• Co-Sleeping Decision: Understand why co-sleeping was a practical choice for this family, especially while breastfeeding.

Listener Insights: This episode is packed full of relatable stories for any new parent or those considering starting a family. It emphasizes informed decision-making, trust in one’s body during childbirth, support systems postpartum such as midwifery care versus hospital stays, navigating parenting during COVID, breastfeeding struggles & successes along with community support importance. Discover how following your gut toward your dreams and writing your own story can be amplified when starting a family. 

Whether you're laughing alongside Chris' comedic reflections or nodding at Genevieve's determined motherhood journey – this episode offers heartfelt wisdom on embracing parenthood's unpredictable but rewarding path.

Check out Chris Robinson on IG @snapshotrobinson and Genevieve Pellettier @genevieverobin

Check out La Leche League Canada at https://www.lllc.ca/

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Welcome to another inspiring episode where we delve into the journey of self-discovery and empowerment with our guest, Jen Couto., who joins us from the vibrant Caribbean side of Costa Rica. In this conversation, we explore how life's challenges and transitions can become catalysts for growth and transformation and the importance of community. 

Highlights:

• Jen's Story: Discover how being a young mom shaped her path, leading to deep personal insights about empathy, femininity, and resilience.
• Empathy & Energy: Learn about Jen’s experiences as an empathetic person navigating single motherhood while striving to maintain her identity beyond parental responsibilities.
• Evolution at 42: Understand the profound shift that comes with age as Jen discusses tapping into her divine feminine power now that her children are grown.
• Space for Reflection: Hear about the importance of creating space in life – away from constant action & business – to reflect on one's true desires and energies shared with others.
• The Power of Women Supporting Women: A discussion on shifting perspectives from competition to collaboration among women, highlighting the transformative power of sisterhood.
• Revealing Her: An insight into Jen’s business philosophy which focuses on peeling back layers to connect deeply with oneself rather than fitting into preconceived societal molds or aesthetics in fitness.
• Personalized Approach in Fitness & Life Coaching: Explore how Jen tailors programs based on individual feelings and needs rather than typical fitness structures or routines.
• Birthing Process & Connection: Delve into parallels between birthing practices and everyday challenges; learn how connecting deeply within can lead to more empowering experiences during childbirth and other pivotal moments in life.
• Breaking Generational Patterns: Listen as both our host Cindy and guest discuss their personal parenting styles versus those they experienced growing up - acknowledging patterns while consciously choosing different paths for their own families.

For anyone seeking inspiration through authenticity, connection, nature immersion, or simply curious about forging your unique path amidst life's ebbs flows—this episode is a must-listen!

Be sure not only to listen but also follow @revealingher on Instagram to witness Jen Couto’s continuous evolution firsthand!