The Birth Positive Podcast

In this heartfelt interview, Penina Mandelcorn shares her deeply personal journey through a prenatal diagnosis of a life-limiting condition for her baby. Penina shares the emotional challenges of she faced and the spiritual insights that helped her cope. Her story offers valuable lessons on faith, resilience, and supporting others facing similar tragedies.

Please note this episode is for *women only*

If you or someone you know would like to reach out for peer support, Penina can be reached at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

Professionally speaking, Penina just launched Clarify Coaching, a transformational program for women who've tried everything, but can't get rid of the negative chatter in their heads.
Instead of scripted techniques, you'll learn the surprisingly simple way to activate your own insights - making real change natural, effortless, and everlasting. Find out more at https://www.clarifycoach.com/

Find out more about the Birthing with Intention online childbirth course here.  

In this episode, Ariella Kaplan, registered dietician and Lauren discuss what our bodies really need to thrive during pregnancy and postpartum. Most of the nutrition advice women are getting during this period ranges from absolutely none from their doctor to social media trends. Ariella simplifies what can feel like a confusing and let’s be honest - loaded - topic and gives practical ways that you can incorporate healthy eating into your life.

We talk about nourishing your body instead of punishing it, and how diet and bounce back culture cause more harm than good.

If you’d like to connect with Ariella, you can find her at @thebritishnutritionist on Instagram or her website https://thebritishnutritionist.com/about/ To access your free 15-minute consultation for listeners, reach out to Ariella via email letting her know you listened to this episode!

For those looking to make their own informed decisions for their birth, check out the Birthing with Intention course. https://birth-positive.thrivecart.com/birthing-with-intention-course/

In this episode I share about my most recent birth, the birth of my 5th child, our daughter Hindy. It was a longgg pregnancy and beautiful birth. I hope you will enjoy listening!

In this episode, I answer questions that came in via the Birth Positive Real Talk WhatsApp chat. Have you ever been curious about the safety of birthing centers vs. home births? How about what you can do to prevent tearing during delivery?

I'm breaking those down in this short and sweet episode. To join the chat click here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HCRFjZIiRWo3xF8WOUaXAE?mode=gi_c

In this episode Ellie and I talk all about the intersection of minimalism and motherhood including ...

• how less stuff = more headspace and room for bracha to enter your home
• how being intentional with what we truly need is a life lesson for us, and for our children
• how practically to start if you want to decrease the clutter in your home
• how we may differ from our spouses on how we perceive clutter (and how to navigate that!)
• and more!

If you've felt there must be a simpler way to manage a home and parent littles, having fewer things may actually be one secret to more calm. Take a listen!

In this conversation, Lauren and Yael go deep in a conversation about doulas - Yael shared how and why she became a doula. They discuss how a doula helps you navigate your birth experience and how doulas have unique perspective on your birth that can be incredibly valuable. Yael also offers a behind the scenes view of what the day to day life is like as a doula - being on call, navigating an unpredictable schedule while being a mom of little ones, and more.

Whether doula support is your thing or not, you’ll be sure to have a greater understanding an appreciation of how having a doula involved in your labor can make a big impact.

Please enjoy our conversation!

You can find Yael on instagram @thedoulayaelsegelman

In this episode, Lauren sits down with Tami to explore how her first birth - a fear-driven hospital induction that ended in trauma and a NICU stay - became the catalyst for profound change.

Tami shares how educating herself and choosing a provider aligned with her values led to two deeply healing, empowering home births.

Together, they unpack the importance of informed choice, preparation, and avoiding the cascade of interventions by trusting the physiology of birth. Tami reflects on how reclaiming her voice in childbirth transformed her confidence not only as a mother, but in all areas of her health and wellness.

This conversation is an honest, powerful reminder that knowledge, support, and alignment can completely reshape the birth experience.

In this episode I'll be answering questions submitted from moms like YOU. Talking about...

- how to prepare for birth mentally and calmly

- what can help an induction be a better experience

- preparing for 2 under 2

Want to join the WhatsApp chat where these questions come in? Join right here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HCRFjZIiRWo3xF8WOUaXAE

Welcome! I am so happy you are here. On this podcast you can expect to hear:

• Solo episodes from me, Lauren, a mom, childbirth educator, and doula
• Expert interviews
• Birth stories from moms just like you

Thank you for being here and I hope you find the inspiration, education, and support you deserve.