To Birth and Beyond

In today’s replay of Episode 281, Anita invites special guest Mandy Irby on to talk all about informed consent when it comes to birth.

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If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References 

• Anita’s Bump to Birth course - now available as a self-study program!: bumptobirthmethod.com
• Mandy on Instagram
• www.mandyirby.com

Show Notes 

0:55 - Bump to Birth Method - self study

2:47 - Anita introduces this special replay of the podcast!

4:09 - Anita introduces special guest, Mandy Irby

5:38 - What IS informed decision-making?

7:19 - When it comes to informed consent, does birth, itself, make that any different than if you are in any other event? Discussing how to give informed consent in different medical procedures

15:37 - Benefits, risks, alternatives: Are those typically given to patients? What is Mandy’s experience? Strategizing consent in different scenarios

31:02 - When Mandy was going through her education to be an L&D nurse, was she taught about the pelvic floor and informed consent? And the shift towards trauma-informed care

35:20 - How does Mandy educate nurses on providing information to the patient ahead of time so they are able to make that informed decision?

44:00 - Can someone stay at a birth center without having a cervical exam?

50:50 - As an L&D nurse, what would be some other examples or interventions where Mandy finds that happens?

57:14 - What would be one thing Mandy would share with someone who is expecting?

58:30 - How can listeners find Mandy?

In today’s episode, Jessie and Anita talk about what to expect post-vaginal birth when it comes to your vulva. As people with vulvas, we have been conditioned to understand what a “good” vulva or vagina looks like, and things may seem a different - visually and in how it feels - post-vaginal birth. Today’s topic is brought to you by a recent conversation Jessie had with a friend and fellow fitness professional, and is a topic that comes up in Anita’s work daily.

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If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References 

• Anita’s Bump to Birth course - now available as a self-study program!

Show Notes 

0:55 - Anita’s Bump to Birth course promo

2:49 - Jessie and Anita introduce the topic, and how (and how often) the conversation comes up in their personal and professional lives

5:23 - Anita discusses what to do if you are concerned about something regarding your vulva

7:51 - Anita shares what could feel - or be physically - different in their vulvas after birth

15:04 - Will my vulva look different 6 weeks vs 1 year postpartum? And Anita talks about estrogen cream as a tool

18:40 - What does Anita say to people who have looked at their vulva postpartum and are freaked out?

21:07 - Episode wrap up!

In today’s episode, Anita welcomes special guest and close friend (and fellow Pelvic Health Physiotherapist), Robyn Synnott, back to the show! And, today, we are going to be talking all about partner labour prep sessions. We reveal what they are about, why they are important, what we find missing from most labour prep classes, and feedback we get from clients! We hope this helps practitioners lead - and clients find - the best labour prep!

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If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References 

• Anita’s Bump to Birth course - now available as a self-study program!: bumptobirthmethod.com
• Workshop by Anita and Robyn: How to Structure a Partner Birth Prep Session in Clinical Practice
• Find Robyn on Instagram @physio.robyn 
• Find Robyn previously on TBAB Episode 117: How Stress is Related to Pain - the Polyvagal Theory
• Find Anita on Instagram @holistichealthphysio 

Show Notes 

0:55 - Anita’s Bump to Birth course promo

2:49 - Anita welcomes back special guest Robyn Synnott, and shares what we are talking about today

4:08 - Robyn shares why a partner prep session can be helpful for client and their birthing partner

8:10 - Robyn explains the importance of the birthing person feeling safe in their birthing environment 

12:19 - Anita and Robyn discuss some things they notice missing from traditional birthing classes that they cover in their partner workshop

18:04 - Robyn and Anita share feedback they’ve received from folks who have attended partner labour prep sessions

20:10 - Anita closes the discussion and she and Robyn discuss what people will learn in their upcoming workshop (with some tips and tricks for birth prep along the way)

26:25 - Episode wrap up

In today’s episode, Anita and Jessie sit down to talk with the professionals who tune into the podcast. We are discussing why you may want to pursue a mentor as a health or fitness professional, and share our own experiences being mentored: what we received, support-wise, vs. what we wished we had received in those experiences.

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If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References 

• Jessie’s Core Connection Workshop - NOW AVAILABLE ON-DEMAND!

Show Notes 

0:55 - Jessie’s Core Connection Workshop is NOW AVAILABLE on-demand!

2:38 - What we are talking about today! 

3:46 - Reason #1 to consider a mentor: If you want to grow your clientele/caseload, or open your own business/practice

6:31 - Reason #2 to consider a mentor: If you want to move into more of a specific niche or focus within your business

9:45 - Reason #3 to consider a mentor: If you want to add other options/offers within your practice/business

14:40 - Reason #4 to consider a mentor: If you want to dig into scenarios in practice, instead of just in theory

17:58 - Episode wrap up - Anita and Jessie let you know how you can be mentored by each of them, as well as a bonus reason to consider a mentor!

In today’s episode, Jessie reflects on her 4-year journey (so far) into alcohol sobriety - what led her to the decision, mindset shifts, and her plans for the future. If this is something you have been thinking about, or have more questions around - this episode is for you! 

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If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References 

• Jessie’s Core Connection Workshop - NOW AVAILABLE ON-DEMAND!

Show Notes 

0:55 - Jessie’s Core Connection Workshop - NOW AVAILABLE ON-DEMAND!

2:34 - What Jessie is going to be talking about today!

3:35 - Jessie describes the time in her life 4 years ago, and what sparked her decision to become sober from alcohol

7:54 - Jessie shares the number one question she asked herself that set her on this path

10:13 - How Jessie approached her sobriety in the beginning (and how her body reacted)

11:41 - If you are considering taking a break from alcohol, or alcohol sobriety, it will be work

13:18 - There ARE times that Jessie has wanted to drink in the last 4 years - and how she works through it

14:35 - How Jessie feels now, sober realizations, and how she plans to move forward with or without alcohol sobriety!

16:59 - A question for YOU, and episode wrap up!

In today’s episode, Anita sits down with Amanda Banks and Eleanor Currie, both multi-hyphenates, and the documentary filmmakers behind “Born at Home”. We will be chatting all about home birth, including misconceptions and why our special guests have taken on home birth advocacy and education in their first film. If you are thinking about having a home birth, supporting someone in their homebirth, or you are curious to learn more, this episode is for you!

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If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References 

• Bump to Birth Method, on-demand: bumptobirthmethod.com
• Instagram: @bornathomefilm

Show Notes 

0:55 - Anita’s Bump to Birth Method, on-demand, available NOW!

2:48 - Anita introduces our special guests!

3:52 - Eleanor and Amanda share what led them to decide that now was the time to make this documentary

6:17 - Amanda and Eleanor discuss accessibility of home birthing around the world, with a focus on their home of Australia and its current barriers

10:41 - Amanda explains the general set up of transfer of care from home birth to hospital when necessary in Australia

12:48 - Eleanor discuss misconceptions around home birth that they ran into in the filmmaking process

18:29 - The filmmakers summarize what you can see and learn in their documentary

22:43 - The filmmakers recall premiering their film in front of an audience for the first time (after crafting the film completely independently, just the two of them)

27:48 - The filmmakers share where we can find, watch, and share the documentary

29:11 - The filmmakers recount their film tour and audience reactions

31:26 - Eleanor and Amanda share advice for those who are thinking of, or planning, a home birth

33:56 - Amanda and Eleanor share what they are working on now!

In today’s episode, Jessie sits down with friend and colleague, Carrie Moxley, to talk all things fitness and body image with the added layer of Carrie being a fitness and strength coach, like Jessie! Carrie discusses her journey through body awareness, disordered eating and exercise, to neutrality, and how body things can get complicated, even for fitness professionals!

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If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References 

• Check out Jessie’s Annual Birthday Sale!
• Carrie on Instagram
• Misfit Strength Website

Show Notes 

0:55 - Jessie’s Annual Birthday Sale is on NOW!

2:18 - Jessie introduces our special guest and topic for the day!

3:15 - Carrie explains how her profession evolved as she grew an in-person gym space and community

7:49 - Carrie takes us through her journey from becoming aware of her body, through disordered eating and exercise compulsion, to finding strength training to help heal her body image

15:58 - What made Carrie change her mantra AWAY from “every woman needs to lift to feel better” 

18:10 - What Carrie did when her oldest son approached her with an interest in strength-training - and how it ultimately got her back in the gym, herself

21:00 - How Carrie returned to strength training with the truly neutral and nonjudgmental coaching style she needs in this season 

24:07 - Why Carrie would choose neutrality ANY day of the week - and processing her previous body shame that she thought, at the time, was care

28:31 - Carrie relives her recent first-time experience wearing a sports bra as a shirt in the gym without attaching any meaning or judgment to it - at the age of 44

30:06 - The loneliness of disordered eating, and how community can help heal 

33:53 - On finding just the tiniest bit of self-compassion, and allowing space for yourself to make mistakes

34:59 - What we hope for people who are listening today

37:28 - Episode wrap up

In today’s replay of episode 345, Anita talks with Rachel, who went through the Bump to Birth program when preparing for her first birth. We’ll discuss Rachel’s pregnancy journey, birth experience, and where she is today!

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If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References 

• Bump to Birth Method (self-study) is open for enrolment!: bumptobirthmethod.com

Show Notes 

0:55 - Bump to Birth Method Self-Study is open for enrolment!

2:48 - An introduction to today’s replay - and why we chose it, and who it’s for!

4:20 - Anita introduces her special guest, Rachel Spillman!

6:00 - Rachel shares more about herself and her family

7:42 - How did Rachel feel physically, mentally and emotionally in her pregnancy?

13:56 - What were the steps Rachel took to prepare for giving birth?

17:40 - Mobility as a complement to strength in birth prep

19:55 - What types of birth stories and recommendations/suggestions was Rachel subject to?

24:05 - Changing your experience through decreasing fear, naming things what they are, and hiring a team

25:32 - How all the pieces fit together into Rachel’s birth experience - and zoning in vs zoning out

34:07 - How was pushing for Rachel?

39:28 - Nobody knows what your body wants except you - and movement in birth

41:08 - How was after birth recovery, initially? (including conversation around tongue tie)

56:03 - Wrap up - with some advice for expecting (and soon-to-be) expecting parents out there!

In today’s episode, Jessie and Anita are covering something they’ve not covered on the podcast: PAP EXAMS! We will cover tips for patients and care providers regarding this not oft talked about subject to minimize pain, negative experiences and trauma from PAP exams. We are aiming for consent, understanding, and less discomfort around the procedure, so the patient feels more in control over what is happening to their body.

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If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References 

• Custom Coaching with Jessie - ONE SPOT ONLY!

Show Notes 

0:54 - Custom Coaching with Jessie (one spot only!)

2:38 - What we are talking about today!

3:56 - Jess shares a bizarre and uncomfortable PAP experience she had at age 18

6:40 - Anita shares that there are ways to eliminate that and other discomforts from the patient and care provider sides

8:58 - Step #1 to make PAP Exams more comfortable: Explain the technique and what is involved in a PAP exam, keep communication clear during exam, and leave room for questions (clients/patients: request your care providers do this for you!)

15:07 - Step #2: Words matter, so please choose them wisely with clients (and what to do if an off-hand comment slips)

16:20 - Step #3: An explanation of the flower bloom breath, and how you can provide suggestions of breathing relief for patients

17:16 - On respecting the responsibility you have as a practitioner working with populations in this way when you hold power

In today’s episode, Anita and Jessie answer the VERY popular client question: can you prevent diastasis recti during pregnancy? They discuss why someone might want to prevent diastasis, what additional issues diastasis might set off, and just how important the way we talk about peoples’ bodies is.

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If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References 

• Custom Coaching with Jessie (1 Spot Only)

Show Notes 

0:55 - Jessie has ONE space available for a custom fitness coaching client!

2:40 - What we are talking about today!

3:32 - Why might someone want to prevent diastasis recti in pregnancy? What might be coming up for you!

6:00 - If someone has heard that diastasis recti can set off a cascade of other physical issues for the core and pelvic floor - where does Anita start with the myth busting?

9:40 - How we talk to people about their bodies informs so much about how they feel in their bodies

10:57 - CAN we prevent diastasis recti in pregnancy, though?

14:12 - Episode conclusion!