Yoga Birth Babies

A difficult or traumatic birth experience can have an impact long after the baby is born. In this episode, Deb sits down with Dr. Kenga Sivarajah, a Consultant Obstetrician with expertise in high-risk obstetrics, maternal medicine, and perinatal mental health, to explore what birth trauma can look like, why it can be difficult to recognize, and what healing can involve. Dr. Sivarajah brings both an obstetric and psychiatric perspective to the conversation, offering a holistic look at the connection between the physical experience of birth, the nervous system, and postpartum mental health.

Together, they discuss why parents may feel dismissed when they share a difficult birth experience, how trauma can show up in the weeks and months after birth, and what meaningful postpartum support should look like. They also explore what birth preparation can—and can't—do to help, when psychiatric support may be appropriate, the role of medication and non-medication approaches, and how partners and birth professionals can recognize when someone needs additional care. Most importantly, this conversation reinforces that a healthy baby does not erase the emotional impact of a difficult birth, and that parents deserve support in processing what happened.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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In a world where information is always at our fingertips, it's easy to believe that if we just learn enough, plan enough, and prepare enough, we can control pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. But what if the real work is learning to embrace the unknown? In this episode, Deb is joined by Dr. Britta Bushnell, author of Transformed by Birth, childbirth educator, and relationship guide, for a thoughtful conversation about our culture's desire for certainty—and why letting go of control may be one of the greatest preparations for becoming a parent.

Together, they explore how social media and constant access to information have changed the way people approach pregnancy and birth, sometimes making it harder to trust their own instincts. Dr. Bushnell shares how she helps families shift from trying to control every outcome to developing the resilience, flexibility, and self-trust needed to navigate the inevitable surprises of pregnancy, birth, and parenting. This episode is a compassionate reminder that while knowledge is valuable, confidence often comes from learning to meet the unexpected with curiosity rather than fear.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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Birth can be wonderfully unpredictable. In this Community Birth Story episode, Deb sits down with Eyal Meir, an IBCLC and prenatal and postpartum nutritionist, to hear the incredible story of her second birth—from arriving at triage to meeting her baby just minutes later. Eyal reflects on how this pregnancy differed from her first, how prior birth experience shaped her mindset, and the surprising ways preparation showed up when labor moved much faster than expected.

Together, they explore the role of prenatal yoga and childbirth education in building confidence, the power of trusting your body, and what postpartum recovery has looked like the second time around. Whether you're preparing for your first birth or wondering how a subsequent birth may be different, Eyal's story is a reassuring reminder that while birth can unfold unexpectedly, preparation and self-trust can help you meet the moment with confidence.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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Labor can feel mysterious, overwhelming, and full of conflicting advice. In this episode, Deb sits down with board-certified OB-GYN and IBCLC Dr. Jennifer Lincoln to separate fact from fiction and discuss what every expectant parent should know before giving birth. Drawing from her new book, The Birth Book, Dr. Lincoln offers evidence-based guidance to help parents approach labor with greater confidence, flexibility, and understanding.

Together, they explore common misconceptions about labor, the purpose of a birth plan, pain management options, and how movement- including yoga- can support the body during pregnancy and birth. Dr. Lincoln also shares practical advice on advocating for yourself in the hospital, preparing for the realities of postpartum, and how partners can play a meaningful role throughout the birth experience. This conversation is packed with reassuring, accessible information to help parents feel informed- not intimidated- as they prepare to welcome their baby.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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Many people are told that leaking urine, pelvic pain, or feeling "off" after pregnancy is simply something they have to live with- but that's far from the truth. In this episode, Deb sits down with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Sneha Gazi to unpack some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding pelvic floor health during pregnancy and postpartum. Together, they explore what pelvic floor dysfunction actually looks like, why it's so often normalized, and how small changes can make a big difference.

Dr. Gazi explains how the pelvic floor works in harmony with the breath, posture, and the rest of the body, challenging the idea that more Kegels are always the answer. She also shares practical ways to support pelvic health throughout pregnancy, what realistic postpartum recovery can look like, and the subtle signs that it's time to seek professional support. This empowering conversation reminds parents that pain and dysfunction are common- but they are not normal, and help is available.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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Birth doesn't always begin the way we imagine it will. In this Community Birth Story episode, Deb sits down with Elena Santoro to hear the story of how a routine 38-week prenatal appointment unexpectedly turned into the birth of her baby. What began as a regular check-up quickly shifted into an induction, requiring Elena to adjust her expectations and embrace an entirely different birth experience than the one she had envisioned.

Elena reflects on preparing for birth, navigating the emotions of an unexpected induction, and the support that helped her stay grounded throughout labor. She also shares a poignant moment of thinking about her family back in Rome as she welcomed her baby in New York, and offers reassurance for parents who worry about birth not going according to plan. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that while birth may be unpredictable, flexibility, support, and trust can help carry you through.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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Tantrums are a normal part of childhood, but that doesn't make them any easier to navigate. In this episode, we revisit a valuable episode “from the vault,” in which Deb sits down with Dr. Cindy Hovington to explore the science behind tantrums and emotional regulation. Together, they unpack what's actually happening in a child's brain during a meltdown and why understanding brain development can help parents respond with more confidence and compassion.

Dr. Hovington explains how self-regulation develops over time, why transitions can be especially challenging for young children, and the important role parents play in helping kids build emotional regulation skills. She also shares practical strategies for staying calm during difficult moments, making sense of what triggered a tantrum, and recognizing when a child's behavior may warrant additional support. This conversation offers science-backed insights that can help parents approach big emotions with greater understandingand a little less stress.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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Before your child ever needs extra support, it's helpful to understand how to navigate the systems designed to help them. In this episode, Deb speaks with attorney and mental health clinician Paula Yost about Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), advocating within the school system, and how parents can confidently speak up when they know something isn't quite right.

Paula shares practical guidance on recognizing early signs that a child may benefit from additional support, preparing for IEP meetings, and working collaboratively with educators while understanding your rights. She also discusses the importance of trauma-informed education, when to seek additional advocacy, and how parents can build a strong support network throughout the process. Whether you're already navigating special education or simply want to be prepared for the future, this conversation offers valuable insights into advocating for your child's unique needs.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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What makes the Prenatal Yoga Center Teacher Training so unique? In this special episode, Deb sits down with PYC graduate and mentor Phoebe to explore her journey through the training and how it transformed her approach to teaching yoga. Together, they discuss the evolution of the PYC Method, the shift to hybrid learning during the pandemic, and why the training continues to resonate with yoga teachers seeking a deeper understanding of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum experience.

Phoebe shares what surprised her most about the program- from the depth of anatomy and pelvic floor education to learning how to build classes based on the needs of the students in front of her rather than relying on predetermined sequences. The conversation also explores the transition from trainee to teacher and mentor, highlighting the power of community, adaptability, and lifelong learning in prenatal yoga education.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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Birth rarely unfolds exactly as we imagine, yet many expectant parents enter labor with expectations shaped by stories, social media, classes, and conversations with care providers. In this episode, Deb sits down with doula, Lamaze childbirth educator, and lactation counselor Robin Gibson Douthit to explore how those expectations influence the birth experience—and what happens when reality takes a different path.

Robin shares how informed decision-making, advocacy, and collaborative care can help parents navigate the unpredictability of labor with confidence. Together, they discuss the difference between guidance and pressure, what true informed consent looks like in practice, and how strong relationships with care providers can shape both expectations and outcomes. This conversation offers practical insights for preparing for birth in a way that balances knowledge, flexibility, and trust in the process.

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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