The Breath & Birth Co Podcast

Join Vanessa as she drops in during a Summer Break to share what she's been up to. See her present a Birth Planning seminar at Babies & Bumps in Columbus, OH on Sunday, June 8th! She'll also have a table throughout the day giving away prizes, including opportunities to win 50% off her Metamorphosis online self-paced Metamorphosis course! Also announcing Becoming, a one-day local in-person pregnancy retreat for second-and-third-trimester Mothers and Birthers. 

• 00:00 Welcome to the Breath and Birth Co Podcast
• 00:47 Personal Update: Balancing Work and Family
• 03:17 Exciting Announcements and Upcoming Events
• 05:30 Launching the 'Becoming' Pregnancy Retreat
• 08:04 Celebrating Milestones and Future Plans
• 09:19 Conclusion and Gratitude

See FULL SHOW NOTES HERE.

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Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could share with a friend and leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

In this episode of the Breath & Birth Co podcast, Vanessa shares her personal pregnancy and birth story in detail. Joined by HypnoBirthing® teacher and Birth Doula, Aly Romot, they reflect on Vanessa's labor experience, including her unique challenges and the importance of informed consent. They also touch on key recommendations for navigating pregnancy and birth with confidence and empowerment. Throughout the episode, they reveal the significance of choosing the right care provider and birth setting. The conversation closes on a reflective note about the transformative power of birth work and the enduring bonds formed between doulas and birthing individuals.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:47 Recap of Previous Episode
• 02:02 Arrival at the Hospital
• 03:19 Labor Progress and Monitoring
• 06:32 Decisions and Interventions
• 09:12 Oxytocin Boost and Emotional Moments
• 12:10 Pitocin and Active Labor
• 17:29 Transition and Pushing
• 25:55 Birth and Immediate Postpartum
• 28:09 Reflecting on a Difficult Moment
• 29:06 Empowering Birth Choices
• 33:09 Choosing the Right Provider
• 34:09 The Importance of Midwifery Care
• 36:02 The Placenta Experience
• 39:43 Post-Birth Reflections
• 44:28 Informed Consent and Birth Choices
• 47:42 Doula Reflections and Experiences
• 54:28 The Bond Between Doulas and Clients
• 57:33 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

SEE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE.

Follow me on Instagram here!

Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could share with a friend and leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

In today’s guided meditation, we invite you to connect to the natural rhythm of labor through the soothing rise and fall of ocean waves. This practice is all about trusting your body, surrendering to each wave, and flowing through birth with confidence and calm.

What to Expect in This Meditation

This meditation takes you on an imaginative ride along the ocean’s currents—mirroring the waves of labor. Through deep breathing, visualization, and affirmations, you’ll practice surrendering to the natural build and release of each contraction. You’ll be guided to breathe with the waves, not against them, allowing you to trust the rhythm of your body during birth.

Ideal For:

• Preparing for labor, especially if you’re hoping for an unmedicated birth
• Anyone wanting to practice surrender and trust during pregnancy
• Reducing fear or anxiety around contractions or labor sensations
• Building a deeper mind-body connection before birth
• Visual learners who connect well to imagery and nature-based metaphors

Featured Affirmations:

🌊 I trust my body.

🌊 I surrender to the rhythm of labor.

🌊 Each wave brings me closer to my baby.

🌊 I ride these waves with ease and confidence.

Why This Meditation Is Beneficial

The fear-tension-pain cycle can make contractions feel more overwhelming. By practicing how to breathe with each “wave” (instead of bracing against it), you’re training your mind and body to work with labor, not against it. This meditation offers:

• A natural rhythm to anchor your breathing during contractions
• A mental framework to welcome sensations instead of fearing them
• Affirmations that build inner trust and strength
• A calming, sensory-rich visualization to ground you in the present moment

When to Use This Meditation

• During pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, as part of your labor prep routine
• As part of your daily mindfulness practice to build resilience
• In early labor to establish a calm and steady breathing pattern
• In active labor (with headphones or a birth partner guiding you) to ride each contraction like a wave
• Anytime you’re feeling anxious or disconnected and need to re-center

See FULL SHOW NOTES HERE.

Follow me on Instagram here!

Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could share with a friend and leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

In this heartfelt episode of the Breath and Birth Co Podcast, Vanessa—hospital-based DONA-certified birth doula and childbirth educator—opens up about her deeply personal journey to motherhood. From navigating chronic endometriosis and infertility to finding calm through HypnoBirthing® amidst severe hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), Vanessa shares how it all unfolded.

She’s joined by special guest Aly Romot, a Certified Birth Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, Body Ready Method® Pro, and Birth Photographer. Aly teaches HypnoBirthing® and Evidence-Based Birth® childbirth education classes in Columbus, OH. She taught taught Vanessa and Brian HypnoBirthing® and became their private birth doula- helping them tap into the power of connection, language, and trust during pregnancy. Together, they explore the beauty of preparation, partner involvement, and informed decision-making in birthwork.

💛 This episode sets the stage for Part 2, where Vanessa will share her full birth story—including how labor began and what it felt like to finally meet her son.

🕒 Episode Chapters:

• 00:00  Introduction to the Breath and Birth Co Podcast
• 00:50  Vanessa’s Pregnancy Journey Begins (after endometriosis and infertility)
• 02:58  Sharing the Pregnancy News with Friends and Family
• 18:39  Coping with Severe Nausea & Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)
• 23:30  Meeting Aly Romot & Joining Her HypnoBirthing® Class
• 34:49  Partner Involvement in Childbirth Education
• 36:19  Choosing a Birth Doula (and why it mattered)
• 41:52  Using HypnoBirthing® Language & Mindset Tools
• 47:40  Preparing for Labor and the Unknowns of Delivery
• 51:55  Early Labor Signs & Heading to the Hospital
• 01:00:13  To Be Continued… Vanessa’s Birth Story Coming in Part 2

See full SHOW NOTES HERE.

Follow me on Instagram here!

Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could share with a friend and leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

In this gentle guided meditation, you’ll be invited to connect with your breath, your body, and your baby through the practice of the Golden Thread Breath—a calming tool to help soften and surrender as you prepare for birth. Whether you’re seeking stillness in the midst of a busy day or intentionally carving out time to prepare your mind and body for labor, this 5–10 minute practice offers a moment of grounding, release, and trust.

What to Expect in This Meditation:

🌀  Grounding breathwork to help settle into stillness

🌀  A visualization of the golden thread to carry tension away

🌀  Gentle cues for softening and releasing throughout the body

🌀  Centering affirmations to deepen trust in your birth journey

🌀  A calming close to return you to your day with peace and clarity

 Ideal For:

💛   Pregnant individuals preparing for labor

💛   Those seeking relief from stress or overwhelm during pregnancy

💛   Anyone wanting a short, soothing breathwork practice to feel more connected and grounded

Featured Affirmations:

✨    I breathe in strength, I breathe out surrender.

✨    I soften, I open, I allow.

✨    Each exhale carries me deeper into relaxation.

✨    I am safe. I am supported.

See full SHOW NOTES HERE.

Follow me on Instagram here!

Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could share with a friend and leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa, a Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator, speaks with Alyssa Broadwater, a Registered Dietitian specializing in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum nutrition. Alyssa shares her personal journey into this field, important nutritional aspects for both men and women in preparing for conception, and practical dietary recommendations. Topics include the significance of a good prenatal vitamin, managing conditions like endometriosis and PCOS, and ways male partners can support during the fertility journey. Tune in to gain insights on optimizing health for pregnancy and beyond.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Breath and Birth Co Podcast
• 00:47 Interview with Alyssa Broadwater: Nutrition for Pregnancy
• 01:58 Alyssa's Journey into Fertility and Pregnancy Nutrition
• 06:40 Misconceptions About Perinatal Nutrition
• 09:57 Choosing the Right Prenatal Vitamins
• 18:30 Preparing Your Body for Conception
• 29:47 Managing PCOS and Endometriosis Through Nutrition
• 37:41 Red Meat and Endometriosis
• 38:47 Dairy and Inflammation: Quality Matters
• 39:11 Environmental Toxins and Endometriosis
• 39:46 Anti-Inflammatory Diet Tips
• 40:27 Personal Journey: Eliminating Trigger Foods
• 41:12 Soy and Processed Foods: A Hidden Culprit
• 44:46 Reintroducing Foods: A Cautious Approach
• 46:12 Gestational Diabetes: Alternative Testing Methods
• 49:26 Male Fertility: Optimizing Health
• 57:08 Resources for Fertility and Pregnancy
• 58:40 The Importance of Real Food in Dietetics
• 01:04:53 Generational Health: Influencing Future Generations
• 01:06:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

See FULL SHOW NOTES HERE.

Follow me on Instagram here!

Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could share with a friend and leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

This calming body scan meditation is designed to help you rest deeply, release tension, and connect with your baby. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply need a quiet moment, this practice invites you to slow down and surrender to your body’s innate wisdom during pregnancy.

Together, we’ll gently scan each part of your body—from head to toe—sending gratitude, breath, and trust. You’ll leave this meditation feeling grounded, supported, and connected to the sacred work your body is doing.

🧘‍♀️ Perfect for: Rest, relaxation, pregnancy anxiety, third trimester prep, connecting with baby

💛 Theme: Surrender & Trust — Honoring Your Body’s Wisdom

✨ Affirmation: “I honor my body and my baby. I surrender with love and ease.”

🎧 Press play when you need:

•A mindful body scan for pregnancy

•Support in softening physical and emotional tension

•A grounding breath practice

•A moment of deep connection with your body and baby

Follow me on Instagram here!

Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could share with a friend and leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co Podcast, host Vanessa, a hospital-based DONA-certified birth doula, is joined by Daisy Vance, an experienced Birth Doula and Certified Breastfeeding Counselor from Westerville, Ohio. They explore crucial topics such as the importance of selecting a supportive care provider, the value of prenatal and postpartum support services, and practical tips for making the most of prenatal appointments. Daisy shares her journey into birth work, emphasizing the significance of seeking aligned and supportive care, including recommendations for additional resources like chiropractors, massage therapists, and supportive community groups. Join the conversation to feel informed, supported, and empowered on your pregnancy journey.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Breath and Birth Co Podcast
• 00:47 Meet Daisy Vance: Certified Birth Doula
• 02:01 Daisy's Journey into Birth Work
• 04:27 Choosing the Right Care Provider
• 06:22 The Importance of Asking Questions
• 20:02 Building Your Birth Team
• 24:02 Maximizing Your Prenatal Appointments
• 24:44 The Beauty and Challenges of Pregnancy
• 25:12 Preparing for Prenatal Appointments
• 25:56 Communicating with Your Provider
• 27:24 Switching Providers: Steps and Considerations
• 29:20 Community Support and Resources
• 32:03 Hospital Birth Realities
• 34:59 Empowerment and Birth Preferences
• 38:01 Books and Resources for Expecting Parents
• 43:16 The Importance of Support
• 45:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

See full SHOW NOTES HERE.

Follow me on Instagram here!

Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could share with a friend and leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

In this episode of The Breath and Birth Co Podcast, hospital-based DONA-International Certified Birth Doula Vanessa leads listeners through a calming guided meditation. Tailored for expectant mothers, this meditation focuses on surrendering to the birthing process and trusting your body's natural wisdom. Vanessa provides step-by-step instructions to help you relax, release tension, and build confidence in your body's ability to birth. Tune in to feel supported, informed, and empowered on your pregnancy and birth journey.

Why Surrender Matters in Birth Preparation

So often in pregnancy, we’re bombarded with things to do, prepare, or control. But birth is not a test of productivity—it’s an invitation to soften. To open. To allow.

This meditation offers a visual journey that reminds you: your body is wise. Your baby is wise. And you are already so much more ready than you realize.

What to Expect in This Guided Practice

You’ll begin by finding stillness, tuning into your breath, and letting go of tension. From there, you’ll visualize yourself floating on a gentle, supportive cloud—a symbol of trust and release. As you’re carried effortlessly through a peaceful sky, affirmations guide you into deeper surrender, reminding you:

•“I trust my body.”

•“I trust my baby.”

•“I surrender to the process.”

It’s a short, soul-soothing pause that can be returned to anytime during pregnancy, early labor, or whenever fear and tension begin to rise.

How to Use This Meditation

🧘‍♀️ Save it for your daily grounding practice in the third trimester.

🧘‍♀️ Use it as a visualization tool while creating your birth vision.

🧘‍♀️ Listen with your birth partner to invite calm into your shared preparation.

🧘‍♀️ Come back to it during early labor when you’re seeking a sense of trust and safety.

See full SHOW NOTES HERE.

Follow me on Instagram here!

Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could share with a friend and leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth co podcast, Vanessa, a hospital-based, DONA-certified birth doula, and childbirth educator, delves into the topic of endometriosis. She answers common questions about the signs, symptoms, and diagnosis of the disease, and discusses various treatment options, including excision surgery. She also discusses how endometriosis affects pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. Vanessa shares insights from her own 15-year journey to diagnosis and encourages listeners to advocate for themselves. The episode emphasizes the importance of having a supportive care team and the impact of lifestyle adjustments on managing symptoms. For more details, listeners are encouraged to check the show notes and previous podcast Episode 1 Beginning, Middle, Endo and Episode 7 One Good Egg, Perfect Timing, and a Clear Path.

• 00:00 Welcome to the Breath and Birth Co Podcast
• 00:47 Introduction to Endometriosis Q&A
• 02:00 Signs and Symptoms of Endometriosis
• 07:08 Diagnosis of Endometriosis
• 09:29 Treatment Options for Endometriosis
• 15:20 Endometriosis and Pregnancy
• 20:55 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

See full SHOW NOTES HERE.

Follow me on Instagram here!

Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could share with a friend and leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.