Yoga Birth Babies

Today we’re diving into a topic that’s very close to my heart. Along with being a parent of a child often labeled as "difficult," I know that so many other children are unfairly pigeonholed because of their behavior. And I’ve come to realize: it’s not so much about the actual behavior as it is about understanding the root cause of that behavior.

To have this conversation with me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies is Nina Essell. Nina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience as a school social worker supporting children and families. Nina holds a Master’s of Social Work from Columbia University and a Master’s of Science in Childhood General and Special Education from Bank Street College of Education. Nina is an advanced certified trainer in the Nurtured Heart Approach as well as Kimochis, a social emotional learning curriculum. Currently, she is a parenting coach and consultant, providing 1-on-1 coaching, parenting workshops, and professional training.

In this episode, we explore how families can reframe challenging behaviors, the importance of parents finding their own grounding during moments of dysregulation, and practical tools children can use to identify big feelings- before they boil over. My hope is that we, as a society, can get to a place of understanding these kids without judgement. Enjoy this episode.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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Today we are diving into a topic near and dear to my heart: doulas. Tune in as we explore how to find a doula who best fits you and your unique needs!

Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Francie Webb. Francie is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and founder of Go Milk Yourself. She is a mom of 3, author and former middle school teacher. She’s worked with 1600+ parents and provided training to 2000+ professionals. Additionally, she has trained 40+ doulas and trained 40+ lactation professionals in her Go Milk Yourself Lactation Training.

In this episode, we discuss why identifying your priorities is crucial when selecting the right doula for you. We’ll cover key questions to ask potential doulas based on your priorities, and red flags to watch out for in interviews. Additionally, we go over where to find a doula, what to expect in terms of cost and on-call availability, and so much more. Enjoy this episode!

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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Join in as we embark on a topic that, I have to admit, I knew very little about until having this conversation! Today, we are talking about mastitis- what it is, the latest research, causes, symptoms, and much more.

Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Bella Masotti Rochford. Bella is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant and National Board-Certified & NYS licensed Occupational Therapist. She owns a private practice (Nurturing LIFT, LLC) that specializes in lactation and infant feeding therapy, and supports families navigating breast/chest feeding and bottle feeding.

Mastitis has historically been misunderstood, and Bella is here to provide clarity with her extensive knowledge. She’ll also share essential tips on what to do and what to avoid if you’re dealing with mastitis. I know this episode will resonate with many of you listening. Enjoy!

Additional mastitis resources:

- Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (Protocol #36): https://www.bfmed.org/assets/ABM%20Protocol%20%2336.pdf

- Jeanette Mesite Frem's flange fitting services and resources 

babiesincommon.com

- Maya Bolman's "Breast Gymnastics" and the use of therapeutic lymphatic massage

https://player.vimeo.com/video/65196007

- Physician Guide to Breastfeeding website by Dr. Katrina Mitchell is a great guide for parents who are experiencing persistent mastitis-type episodes and may benefit from evidenced-based lab or imaging expertise 

https://physicianguidetobreastfeeding.org/category/mastitis/

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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There are countless reasons why I believe sharing and listening to birth stories is so valuable. One standout aspect is the many universal themes that emerge- whether between different births, throughout the journey from pregnancy to parenthood, or even within the individual birth stories themselves. While the societal conversation around birth can often evoke fear, a positive birth story has the power to shift that narrative.

Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Shing Yiing Ong. Shing is a Certified Comprehensive Pilates Instructor and founder of her own company, Body Balance Lifestyle, that specializes in creating fun and short workout for busy entrepreneurs and moms. She is now a new mom to a beautiful 6 month old baby girl!

In today’s birth story, you’ll hear Shing reflect on how her birth plan changed and how she not only moved through it, but came out feeling empowered about it. She also candidly discusses challenges that come with new parenthood- identity struggles, lack of freedom, baby blues, and hormonal changes. Shing’s experience captures the broad spectrum of parenthood, highlighting both the highs and the lows, each of which holds great significance.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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My work revolves around women and birthing people, and naturally my guests on the podcast are mainly of that experience! However, today we are mixing things up a bit and exploring the transition to parenthood from a man’s perspective.

Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Dan Doty. Dan is a father of 3, a husband, an outdoorsman and a meditator. He is the co-founder of Fatherhood Ready and Fatherhood Unlocked. He was the co-founder of men's org EVRYMAN and the producer director of hit tv show MeatEater. He has been featured in the NYTimes, Men's Health, the Today Show and the Joe Rogan Experience.

In this episode, we dive into how fatherhood has evolved across generations and what it looks like for men today. Dan shares solid, practical tools for men on how to show up for their partners and children, and I know you’ll find this conversation incredibly valuable.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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Today we’re talking all about my favorite: The pelvic floor. From how the pelvic floor changes in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, to what the signs and symptoms to see a pelvic floor PT are, to what happens at an actual appointment… we cover it all.

Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Dr. Amy Stein. Amy is a premiere physical therapist and is at the forefront of treating pelvic floor disfunction and pelvic pain. In addition to being the founder of Beyond Basics PT, Amy has served as the President – and is currently on the advisory board – of the International Pelvic Pain Society. As an award-winning author, Amy has written books on pelvic pain (Heal Pelvic Pain) and endometriosis (Beating Endo: How to reclaim your life from Endometriosis) and created a video on pelvic pain (Healing Pelvic Pain and Abdominal Pain). Amy is also a co-editor of Healing in Urology as well as a featured author in many medical textbooks, including Pelvic Pain Management, Female Sexual Pain Disorders: Evaluation and Management, Management of Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women, and The Overactive Pelvic Floor.

Amy’s bio speaks for itself, and it goes without saying that she is the ideal person to have on for this discussion which I am so happy to bring you. Happy listening and happy learning!

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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Are you preparing for a subsequent child? If you answered yes, then today’s episode is a must-listen. Today, we’re discussing the topic of introducing a new sibling into the family,… specifically to your first child.

Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Alyssa Blask Campbell. Alyssa is a teacher, parent, and emotional development expert with a master’s degree in early childhood education. She is a co-creator of the Collaborative Emotion Processing (CEP), the host of the podcast, "Voices of Your Village” and the author of Tiny Humans, Big Emotions.

Today’s episode is the ultimate guide to preparing for this transition; we’ll be going over how to help your first child understand this adjustment and shift of attention, how you as a parent can re-organize certain systems around both kids, and how you as a parent can prepare for all of this. Alyssa is an absolute joy to learn from, and I have no doubt that you’ll walk away from this episode with the most valuable tools and tips.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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It is so common to put a lot of care, effort, and attention towards pregnancy and birth. And- it goes without saying- the prenatal period is incredibly important. However, the postpartum phase is a hugely transitional time for new parents and deserves equal consideration and planning. So let’s dive into it!

Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies to discuss Postpartum is Elaine Keller-Duemig. Elaine is a certified nurse midwife and the owner of Central Park Midwifery, a private midwifery practice in Manhattan that attends hospital births. Elaine earned her bachelor's degree in Women's Studies and a certificate in LGBT studies from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. She earned a nursing degree at Quinnipiac University, and has a midwifery masters degree from Columbia University. Prior to midwifery, she worked as a labor and delivery and postpartum nurse in several hospitals.

In our conversation, we’ll explore how to create a postpartum plan, the importance of healing and rest for the birthing person, essential supplies for new parents, and breastfeeding and lactation. We also get into the subject of relationships- establishing boundaries around visits from family and friends, adapting to adjustments in your primary relationship with your partner, and maintaining your own individuality post-birth. I’m excited for you to hear what Elaine has to say, and I encourage you to jot down some of her valuable tips!

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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A student once said to me, “Im interested in home birth, but why would I choose to have a home birth?” I had two options. Either I could tell her all my reasons right then and there, or I could find a home birth midwife to come on the podcast and speak on the subject. As you can see, I chose the latter!

Today’s guest on Yoga | Birth | Babies is none other than Kara Ffrench. Kara has been a registered nurse since 2006 and became a midwife in 2014. She has spent her midwifery career working in private practice as well as in large hospital systems, and currently attends home birth and hospital births. Additionally, she offers complete patient GYN care. 

Join us as we explore the topic of home birth- why some might choose it, who would be a good candidate for home birth, the standard of practice that ensures safety for the laboring person and baby, what a back up plan entails, and much more. If you are considering home birth, I know this conversation will help you in making a decision- whatever that ends up being!

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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Today, we're exploring one of the most powerful tools for birth: movement. When we consider movement during labor and delivery, it raises questions such as: Does the shape and size of your pelvis impact the birthing process? How does the pelvis open? Can you move effectively if you have an epidural? Join us as we delve into the importance of movement (and advocating for it!) in birth.

To have this conversation with me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I am joined by Brittany Sharpe McCollum. Brittany is a Perinatal Pelvic Biomechanics Educator, a labor support doula, and a childbirth educator. She is also the owner of Blossoming Bellies Wholistic Birth Services based out of the greater Philadelphia PA area.

Brittany is a wealth of knowledge, so you can rest assured knowing that you’ll gain valuable insights from this episode. Ultimately, my hope is that this discussion instills you with a new level of confidence in your body’s ability to bring baby into the world.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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