Many times, I hear my prenatal students express feeling disconnected from their care provider or uneasy about hospital policies. However, they’ve hired a doula in hopes that that will help them navigate and achieve the birth experience they want. Today, we’re diving into how and why birth preparation goes beyond simply hiring a doula.

To have this conversation with me today on Yoga|Birth|Babies I have Bec Conant. Bec is a respected figure in Boston and New England for her expertise in prenatal care and yoga instruction spanning over two decades. Through her Om Births program, she empowers expecting individuals, guiding them through childbirth and easing their transition into parenthood. Bec is also the author of The Om Births Approach, which explores using yoga to prepare the body, mind, and spirit for birth.

In this episode, Bec and I discuss the importance of investigation and education in childbirth. We both believe that true childbirth education and preparation starts with understanding your own birth desires and assembling a supportive team. Bec’s knowledge and passion for this topic shines through, and I hope it inspires you to explore your options.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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Today, we’re diving into the relationship between birth and the pelvic floor. First, we’ll cover the basics: What is the pelvic floor? What is its function? How does one even connect with their pelvic floor? We usually aren’t taught about the pelvic floor growing up, and lack an awareness of it, in part because it’s a group of muscles we do not see. However this mysterious group of muscles doesn’t have to be so mysterious… So let’s talk about it!

To have this conversation with me today on Yoga|Birth|Babies I have Millie Schweky DPT, CPT. Millie is a pelvic floor PT on a mission to help folks feel safe & empowered in their bodies. Located in Ra'anana Israel, she works out of her private practice and sees patients virtually around the world. She is also mom of 2 toddlers.

Millie and I discuss the role of the pelvic floor in birth, and how tension or disfunction can disrupt the flow of your birth. Additionally, we debunk some myths about the pelvic floor because- let’s face it- there’s some really incorrect information out there! Lastly, Millie shares practical tips and exercises to help you deepen your connection to your pelvic floor. I hope this conversation helps you feeling connected to your body, your breath, and your pelvic floor.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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Today, we’re diving into our current parenting culture- does it support or hinder parents and kids?

To have this conversation with me today on Yoga|Birth|Babies I have Emily Edlynn, PhD. Emily is a licensed clinical psychologist, international speaker, co-host of the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast, and award-winning author of Autonomy-Supportive Parenting: Reduce Parental Burnout and Raise Competent, Confident Children. Emily’s writing has appeared in outlets such as the Washington Post, Parents, Scary Mommy, Good Housekeeping, Motherly, and Psychology Today and she writes regularly for her Substack, Parent Smarter, Not Harder.

Emily and I take a deep dive into modern parenting culture, examining its impact on both parents and children. We get honest about where there might be some downfalls, and how those downfalls especially affect mothers. Lastly, we explore the topics of intensive-parenting or over-parenting, vs. “Autonomy-Supportive Parenting.” Any parent of a child, no matter how old, can learn from this. Enjoy this episode.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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Having a baby is expensive! So, how can we prepare for the expected and unexpected costs that come with having a child?

In this episode of Yoga| Birth| Babies I speak with financial educator and founder of Smart Money Mamas Chelsea Brennan. From getting a clear picture of your current financial state, to understanding how to prioritize and prepare for baby expenses, Chelsea gives simple exercises that will help you understand your family money values, how to choose a money mantra, and how to prepare for the many expenses that come along with parenthood.

I suggest you grab something to take notes with when you listen to this episode, I know I did!

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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Today, we have a very special community birth story. I love when I get to hear the birth stories of not only our student community, but also of our teaching community. Today, we have a story of the latter!

Today on Yoga|Birth|Babies I have Meredith Witte. Meredith Witte is a functional strength coach and a yoga instructor with a Master’s in Exercise Physiology. She is the founder and owner of The Playground. She got her start in the world of prenatal movement back in 2018 when she took the PYC teacher training, and had the pleasure of teaching a weekly class at PYC for 2 years. She now lives with her husband Carson and her 7 month old daughter Murphy in Nyack, New York where they love spending time outdoors, hiking, and cooking meals together as a family of 3.

It’s so evident by the way Meredith tells her story that she has an incredible bond with her partner, and how that assisted her in birth. The story that unfolds is one of trust, believing in the body’s ability, mental preparation, and partnership in birth. Enjoy this beautiful episode.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we're diving into the topic of VBACs—Vaginal Birth After Cesareans. We'll explore the most common reasons for cesarean births, as well as the risks and benefits of choosing a VBAC. Additionally, we'll discuss factors that might make someone risk out of a VBAC, and compare those risks to those of a repeat cesarean.

To have this conversation today on Yoga|Birth|Babies I have Meagan Heaton. Meagan co-founded the VBAC Link in 2018. Although she always felt called to the baby world, she really found her love for birth in 2014 after her second C-Section. Through these two birth experiences, her love and passion grew around VBAC. She wanted to help people feel supported and loved. She had two C-sections and then went on to have a VBA2C, and has now supported over 350 families through their birthing journeys as a birth doula.

In addition to sharing her personal VBAC experiences, Meagan and I discuss key questions to ask a care provider to determine if they are truly VBAC-supportive. This is such an important topic, and I can't wait for you to tune in.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The other day I overheard some students discussing whether to hire a doula for their birth, or rely on the support of labor and delivery staff. As L&D nurse experiences vary from hospital to hospital, I felt this was an important topic to explore. In this episode, we’ll dive into the role of a labor and delivery nurse, what to expect, and some insider tips—straight from an L&D nurse herself!

Today on Yoga|Birth|Babies I have Caitlin Jeanmougin. Caitlin is a registered nurse with 21 years of experience caring for childbearing families. She has a master's degree in Nursing Education as well as a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. She spent 17 years providing inpatient care in Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, High-Risk Antepartum, and the Special Care Nursery and currently is employed as a full-time professor in an undergraduate nursing program teaching Maternal/Newborn Nursing. Caitlin is an E-RYT200 with over 14 years of experience, an RPYT with 6 years of experience, and a Certified Spinning Babies Parent Educator.

By covering how L&D nurses provide support, insights on epidurals, the challenges and rewards of the job, and some tips for expectant parents, this episode is packed with valuable information. Enjoy our incredible guest, Caitlin!

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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If you could choose between a functional efficient labor or a dysfunctional and inefficient labor, I’m guessing you would choose functional and efficient labor. I have been to many births as a doula and I’ve had 2 kids of my own. While the body may need time to open to let the baby descend and rotate, it can be a lot on the parents and support team to go through the experience of a long labor!

Today on Yoga| Birth| Babies I have midwife Gail Tully of Spinning Babies back on the podcast. This is her 3rd episode with us and I have to say I absolutely adore speaking with Gail. Today, we talk about how to use Spinning Babies for a smoother, more balanced, more efficient birth. Gail offers us techniques and methodologies to help babies navigate more seamlessly through the pelvis. She talks a lot about the different parts of the pelvis and different techniques to utilize to help the baby through, depending on where the baby is in the pelvis. 

You’re going to get so much out of this conversation, Gail’s a delight to chat with. We’re very aligned in our birth philosophies and I have been using the Spinning Babies methodology for years. I’m currently working on the Spinning Babies Parent Educator Training (which was a fantastic 3 days in person followed by online training that I’m working my way through). You’re going to want to take notes on the techniques Gail shares at the end – and if you’re getting ready for birth, this is a great episode to share with your birth partner!

Spinning Babies: For comfort in pregnancy and preparation for an easier birth join me and Spinning Babies Worldwide Virtual Conference! Go to spinningbabiesconference.com

Additional Resources:

Spinning Babies: The 3 Principles In Pregnancy

Spinning Babies: Daily Activities

Yoga| Birth| Babies: Birth Flow and Balance with Gail Tully

Yoga| Birth| Babies: Spinning Babies Founder Gail Tully

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we have a remarkable and empowering community birth story.

Today on Yoga|Birth|Babies I have Amber Hogue. Amber is a proud mom of two boys, Finn and Wally, and lives in the Bay Area with her family. She works in clinical research with a focus on patient engagement, leveraging her expertise to create meaningful connections and improve healthcare outcomes. A yoga teacher for over 10 years, Amber has spent the last 3 years specializing in prenatal yoga, blending childbirth education with mindful movement, and is a graduate of the PYC teacher training!

As you listen to this episode, it will become clear how Amber took ownership of her birth and advocated for herself, her wants, and her needs. I hope you enjoy listening to her story as much as I did.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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A few months ago, before teaching my postnatal class, my students were sitting in a circle sharing their experiences about postpartum and all the surprises this phase brought. In other words, they were discussing all the things no one had told them about postpartum. 

Today on Yoga|Birth|Babies I have Tina Goldstein. Tina facilitates the New Parent Support Group at PYC, and is a postpartum doula, certified breastfeeding counselor and pediatric sleep consultant. Tina provides one-on-one care and education to new parents during the 4th trimester (and beyond), supporting each family’s choices without judgement. She has also taught perinatal yoga for the last 11 years helping birthing people connect to their breath, strengthen their physical bodies, and heal from or prepare for labor. 

In this episode, we speak on hormonal changes, night sweats, hair loss, breastfeeding, feeding schedules, sleep schedules, and more. My hope is that this conversation leaves you feeling more informed and empowered to seek support when needed. Here’s to lessening the shock and getting ahead of the game!

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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