Kumbay'all: The Whole Woman's Resource

Are you truly prepared for the pushing stage of labor, or could your pelvic floor be holding you back? In this special rebroadcast episode from the Aligned Birth Podcast, Dr. Amanda Shipley joins Dr. Shannon O'Brien to share essential insights into one of the most critical aspects of childbirth—pushing. This episode dives into the physical and mental preparation needed to push effectively and minimize complications during labor. Today on Kumbay'all episode 75, Dr. Amanda and Dr. Shannon discuss: -Why the pelvic floor doesn't work in isolation and how it interacts with other muscles like the diaphragm and hip rotators -The importance of seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist and when to seek support -Common misconceptions about pelvic floor health, including the truth about tight vs. loose muscles -Techniques for preparing your body and mind for effective pushing, including breathing exercises and muscle relaxation strategies -How to harness the power of visualization and muscle memory during the pushing stage of labor -Positioning tips to support optimal pushing and which position may not be ideal We hope this episode provides helpful tips, insight, and encouragement to you!  If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! Birth Mindset Mastery - Download our FREE training on how to prepare for childbirth pain with one simple move, so you can actively prepare for birth and embrace it with confidence! Progressive Pregnancy - Discover the best way to prepare your mind, body, and pelvic floor for childbirth so you can feel calm and confident giving birth at home and enjoy smoother healing postpartum. Join our online program to get access today! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's pelvic physical therapy practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! @kumbayall on Instagram

Curious about home birth? Get the inside scoop from expert home birth midwives! In this enlightening episode, Amanda and Rebecca are joined by two seasoned Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs), Missi Burgess and Tanya Trail. They delve into the nuances of home birth, demystifying common misconceptions and explaining the true essence of this birthing option. Both Missi and Tanya share their extensive experience and insights on what home birth really entails, the role of midwives in ensuring a safe and empowering experience, and how personalized prenatal care can make all the difference. Whether you're considering home birth or simply curious about it, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective on the birth process. Today on Kumbay'all episode 74, Amanda, Rebecca, Missi, and Tanya discuss: How does home birth differ from common perceptions, and what are the realities versus myths? What comprehensive roles and responsibilities do midwives undertake to ensure a safe and empowering birth experience? What factors determine a person's suitability for home birth, and how can individual health and mindset influence this decision? What are the physiological and safety implications of water birth, and how does it align with natural birthing practices? What steps and preparations are essential for optimizing the likelihood of a successful and fulfilling home birth experience? We hope this episode provides helpful tips, insight, and encouragement to you! If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support!   For the full show notes and links as well as guest & host bios, go to www.kumbayallpodcast.com/episodes/74. hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! @kumbayall on Instagram www.homegrownbirth.com - Connect with Missi Burgess, CPM www.laboringhandsmidwifery.com - Connect with Tanya Trail, CPM Birth Mindset Mastery - Download our FREE training on how to prepare for childbirth pain with one simple move, so you can actively prepare for birth and embrace it with confidence! Progressive Pregnancy - Discover the best way to prepare your mind, body, and pelvic floor for childbirth so you can feel calm and confident giving birth at home and enjoy smoother healing postpartum. Join our online program to get access today! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

Struggling with pregnancy discomfort? Discover how chiropractic care can help! In this episode, Amanda is joined again by Dr. Shannon O'Brien, an experienced prenatal and pediatric chiropractor, to explore the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy, with a focus on the Webster Technique. Dr. Shannon delves into common issues that pregnant women face, such as back pain, sciatica, headaches, and pelvic discomfort, and explains how chiropractic care can alleviate these problems and improve overall wellness. They also discuss the importance of finding a Webster-certified chiropractor and the role of chiropractic care in preparing for a smoother birth experience. Whether you're dealing with discomfort or just want to optimize your pregnancy journey, this episode offers valuable insights into how chiropractic care can support you. Today on Kumbay'all episode 73, Amanda and Dr. Shannon discuss: How can chiropractic care address common pregnancy issues like back pain and sciatica? What is the Webster Technique, and why is it important during pregnancy? How does regular chiropractic care improve sleep and reduce pregnancy-related pain? When is the ideal time to start chiropractic care during pregnancy? Why should you choose a Webster-certified chiropractor for prenatal care? We hope this episode provides helpful tips, insight, and encouragement to you! If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support!   For the full show notes and links as well as guest & host bios, go to www.kumbayallpodcast.com/episodes/73. hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! @kumbayall on Instagram Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness - Learn more about Dr. Shannon and how you can work with her Best Practices for Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy ICPA - see the Webster definition and search for a Webster certified chiropractor near you Aligned Birth Podcast episode 122 - hot take - chiropractors are only for neck pain and fetal malposition Birth Mindset Mastery - Download our FREE training on how to prepare for childbirth pain with one simple move, so you can actively prepare for birth and embrace it with confidence! Progressive Pregnancy - Discover the best way to prepare your mind, body, and pelvic floor for childbirth so you can feel calm and confident giving birth at home and enjoy smoother healing postpartum. Join our online program to get access today! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

Life can be wonderful and challenging at the same time. How can you appreciate the joyful times as well as the not-so-easy ones? We're thrilled to have Stephanie Dorfman, a certified holistic doula and parent educator/coach, back on the podcast to help us understand how to not only navigate, but also honor, life transitions. In Kumbay'all episode 72, Stephanie shares insights on these questions and more: What do we mean by life transitions? Why is it important to acknowledge life transitions? What is the difference between ceremonies and rituals? How can honoring significant moments such as pregnancy and postpartum experiences positively impact mental health? How can families start incorporating simple rituals or more elaborate ceremonies into their daily lives? We hope this episode provides helpful tips, insight, and encouragement to you! Make sure to check out Stephanie's earlier episode with us - episode 69: Partner Connection in Pregnancy and Parenthood. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support!   For the full show notes and links as well as guest & host bios, go to www.kumbayallpodcast.com/episodes/72. hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! @kumbayall on Instagram Transitional Alchemy - Learn more about Stephanie and how you can work with her Birth Mindset Mastery - Download our FREE training on how to prepare for childbirth pain with one simple move! Progressive Pregnancy - Discover the best way to prepare for childbirth so you can feel calm and confident giving birth at home. Join our online program to get access today! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

Did you know that maintaining proper alignment during pregnancy can significantly impact your labor experience? In this Twin Talk episode, Amanda and Rebecca delve into the crucial topic of maintaining physical balance during pregnancy and why it's a game-changer for expecting mothers. While emotional and mental balance is important, today's focus is on mechanical alignment within the body. They explore how physical balance supports a healthy pregnancy and aids in a smoother labor process. Today on Kumbay'all episode 71, Amanda and Rebecca discuss: What is physical balance during pregnancy? Why is pelvic alignment important? How does the pelvis support a growing baby? What are the ways to avoid misalignment during pregnancy? What are the benefits of chiropractic care and pelvic floor physical therapy? How do balance and body awareness affect labor and daily habits? We hope this episode provides helpful tips, insight, and encouragement to you! If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support!   For the full show notes, bios, and links, go to www.kumbayallpodcast.com/episodes/71. hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! @kumbayall on Instagram Birth Mindset Mastery - Download our FREE training on how to prepare for childbirth pain with one simple move! Progressive Pregnancy - Discover the best way to prepare for childbirth so you can feel calm and confident giving birth at home or wherever you choose! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

Are you curious about the possibility of having a vaginal birth after a C-section? In this episode, Amanda sits down with Dr. Shannon O'Brien, a renowned chiropractor, to discuss the intricacies of Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Dr. Shannon shares her professional insights and personal experiences, providing a comprehensive look into the benefits, risks, and preparation needed for a successful VBAC. Tune in to learn about the key factors in choosing supportive providers, the importance of a robust birth support team, and actionable steps to increase your chances of a safe and empowering VBAC. Today on Kumbay'all episode 70, Amanda and Dr. Shannon discuss: • What is VBAC and what are its benefits and risks? • How can you ensure your provider and birth location are supportive of VBAC? • Why is having a doula and a comprehensive birth support team important for a successful VBAC? • What is the Webster Technique in chiropractic care and how does it aid in VBAC? • How can independent childbirth education and pelvic floor physical therapy help in preparing for a VBAC? • What steps can you take to prepare for a VBAC and why is it important to labor at home as long as possible? We hope this episode provides helpful tips, insight, and encouragement to you! If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support!   For the full show notes and links as well as guest & host bios, go to www.kumbayallpodcast.com/episodes/70. hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! @kumbayall on Instagram Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness - Learn more about Dr. Shannon and how you can work with her Aligned Birth podcast - hosted by Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachel Birth Mindset Mastery - Download our FREE training on how to prepare for childbirth pain with one simple move, so you can actively prepare for birth and embrace it with confidence! Progressive Pregnancy - Discover the best way to prepare your mind, body, and pelvic floor for childbirth so you can feel calm and confident giving birth at home and enjoy smoother healing postpartum. Join our online program to get access today! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

Having a baby is a hugely transformative experience. Not only does it change your way of life, but it can also greatly transform your relationship with your partner. You may have ideas of what kind of parent you want to be, but when you actually become a parent it can be a different story. So how can you stay connected as a couple during this time of immense growth, challenge, and change in your lives? Stephanie Dorfman, a certified holistic doula and parent educator/coach, joins us today to discuss how to stay connected to your partner during pregnancy and parenthood. In Kumbay'all episode 69, Stephanie discusses these topics and more: Why staying connected to your partner is important How each partner's experience differs and how it can affect their connection What factors and elements come into play during pregnancy and into parenthood that affect relationships How partners can cultivate connection during this time of their lives How to enhance your co-regulation and connection practice When clients tend to look for support with the parenthood transition, and what that coaching can look like What to do if you're feeling disconnected from your partner We hope this episode provides helpful tips, insight, and encouragement to you! If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support!   For the full show notes and links as well as guest & host bios, go to www.kumbayallpodcast.com/episodes/69. hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! @kumbayall on Instagram Transitional Alchemy - Learn more about Stephanie and how you can work with her Birth Mindset Mastery - Download our FREE training on how to prepare for childbirth pain with one simple move! Progressive Pregnancy - Discover the best way to prepare for childbirth so you can feel calm and confident giving birth at home. Join our online program to get access today! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

If you're doubting your ability to give birth without pain medication, then this episode is for you! In this solo episode, Amanda talks about this common concern that many women (including herself!) have before they give birth, and some things you can do to help overcome your doubts and fears. In Kumbay'all episode 68, Amanda discusses: Why it's common to have doubts about your ability to give birth without medication What things affect our feelings and ideas about birth What to do to ease your concerns A few of Amanda's favorite empowering resources Other tips and advice to prepare for a smooth, unmedicated birth We hope this episode provides helpful tips, insight, and encouragement to you!  If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! @kumbayall on Instagram Birth Mindset Mastery - Download our FREE training on how to prepare for childbirth pain with one simple move! Progressive Pregnancy - Discover the best way to prepare for childbirth so you can feel calm and confident giving birth at home or wherever you choose! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's pelvic physical therapy practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook Visit www.kumbayallpodcast.com/episodes/68 for the full show notes and bio!

Are you planning to work up until your baby's due date? Then this episode is for you! Both Amanda and Rebecca worked until their babies were due, and they wish they had followed this advice instead! No matter how long you decide to work before your baby arrives, this episode includes some key insights that can help you. In Kumbay'all episode 67, Amanda and Rebecca discuss: Why working right up to your due date can be less than ideal What their experiences were like and how they differed What they wish they had done instead of working until their due dates What you can do to help your transition into motherhood go smoother if you decide to work as long as you can We hope this episode provides helpful tips, insight, and encouragement to you! If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support!   For the full show notes, bios, and links, go to www.kumbayallpodcast.com/episodes/67. hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! @kumbayall on Instagram Birth Mindset Mastery - Download our FREE training on how to prepare for childbirth pain with one simple move! Progressive Pregnancy - Discover the best way to prepare for childbirth so you can feel calm and confident giving birth at home or wherever you choose! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook Beyond Birth Collective - Amanda's lactation consultant

You may not know what your fascia is, but it's affecting your health and your pregnancy. Today's episode gets technical, and it will change your way of thinking about your body! We're thrilled to have Dr Catherine Clinton, a quantum biology health educator, licensed naturopathic physician, and author join Amanda to discuss why you'll want to know more about your fascia, and what you can do to start taking care of it. In Kumbay'all episode 66, Dr Clinton sheds light on these questions and more: What is quantum biology and how does it affect how we approach healthy living? What is fascia and why does it matter? How can your fascia affect your pregnancy and healing postpartum? What affects your fascia? How can you take care of your fascia during pregnancy? We hope this episode provides helpful tips, insight, and encouragement to you! If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support!   For the full show notes and links as well as guest & host bios, go to www.kumbayallpodcast.com/episodes/66. hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! @kumbayall on Instagram DrCatherineClinton.com - Check out Dr Clinton's courses and other ways you can learn from her. Birth Mindset Mastery - Download our FREE training on how to prepare for childbirth pain with one simple move! Progressive Pregnancy - Discover the best way to prepare for childbirth so you can feel calm and confident giving birth at home. Join our online program to get access today! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

It's your responsibility to get your needs met, but if you aren't able to tap into what your body is telling you, you may not even be aware of what you need. This is a fantastic episode that will help you figure out what you want so you can move one step closer to getting it. This is the second episode in a two-part series with our guest, Tracy Brown, so make sure to check out episode 63 as well! In Kumbay'all episode 65, Amanda, Rebecca, and Tracy Brown discuss: The truth about emotions - what they are and where they come from Why your emotions matter What happens if you don't feel your emotions and how it affects your nervous system Why it can be difficult to connect with your emotions How to feel your emotions and easy ways to practice We hope this episode provides helpful tips, insight, and encouragement to you!  If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support!   For the full show notes and links as well as guest & host bios, go to www.kumbayallpodcast.com/episodes/65. hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! @kumbayall on Instagram Tracy Brown Coaching - Empowering women to rediscover their true selves and create a profoundly healthy, whole, and balanced life. Birth Mindset Mastery - Download our FREE training on how to prepare for childbirth pain with one simple move! Progressive Pregnancy - Discover the best way to prepare for childbirth so you can feel calm and confident giving birth at home. Join our online program to get immediate access today! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

Becoming a mother can be a huge catalyst for you to make healthy changes in your lifestyle. New motherhood is a powerful time but it can also be overwhelming! Parents get a lot of advice and pressure about how to best raise their kids to be healthy and happy, and what worked for your parents' generation might not work for your family now. Today's guest helps dispel myths and gives actionable advice and simple steps you can take to raise healthy kids without overwhelming yourself. You'll want to have a pen and paper handy when you listen! In Kumbay'all episode 64, Amanda and Rebecca talk with Dr Katrina Cryder about: • The state of children's health today and why this is an important topic to discuss • How your parents generation was different than today's generation of parents • The factors that contribute to parents' feeling of overwhelm and how to combat it • Simple steps you can take today to help your children be healthier • How to start to remove toxins in your life We hope this episode provides helpful tips, insight, and encouragement to you! If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! @kumbayall on Instagram Raising Healthy Kids - Dr Katrina's 12-month membership Sign up for a FREE 5-day trial of concierge coaching with Dr Katrina by sending her an email or sending her a DM on Instagram - @dr.katrina_cryder! Touch of Health Atlanta - Dr Katrina's practice that offers chiropractic, massage, nutrition, and health classes Birth Mindset Mastery - Download our FREE training on how to prepare for childbirth pain with one simple move! Progressive Pregnancy - Discover the best way to prepare for childbirth so you can feel calm and confident giving birth at home. Join our online program to get immediate access today! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook See full show notes for guest & host bios at www.kumbayallpodcast.com/episodes/64.

The majority of us were raised by parents with unhealed wounds. As a result, we can end up wearing ‘masks' to be who we think we need to be to fit into our family and our society, while we ignore or bury our own feelings. As we get older this can make us feel stuck and cause difficulty connecting with ourselves and our needs, which can affect all of our relationships. Our guest today shares a new roadmap for how to heal old wounds, let go of false beliefs, and release generational trauma. This simple model can help you gain greater self-awareness by understanding how your experiences have shaped you, so you can respond to life in a healthy way. This is the first in a two-part series, so make sure to check out episode 64 as well! In Kumbay'all episode 63, Amanda, Rebecca, and Tracy Brown discuss: The different phases of our lives and where our wounding comes from Examples of childhood wounds that you might not even realize are there The ways our ego can keep us from feeling our emotions What triggers really are and how to identify them How we can begin healing and get to know ourselves We hope this episode provides helpful tips, insight, and encouragement to you!  If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! About Our Guest: Tracy Brown is a Certified Adult Chair® Transformational Coach whose journey illustrates the power of self-discovery and self-acceptance. She began her career working with award-winning advertising agencies and representing academy award-winning directors. The two decades she spent in this field honed her skills in uncovering and creating stories that celebrate the human spirit and forge connections in the heart across diverse communities, but she knew that it wasn't fulfilling her soul's purpose of empowering women. In 2017 she embarked on a personal healing and spiritual awakening journey that led her to co-found a women's skincare line and immerse herself in holistic practices such as becoming certified as a Reiki practitioner, Cacao practitioner, and Akashic Records reader. These avenues guided Tracy toward her ultimate calling as an Adult Chair Life Coach.  While becoming certified in the Adult Chair model Tracy received her deepest healing. Now she seamlessly blends her diverse expertise and personal healing path to support women in reclaiming their authentic selves. Her mission is to empower women to embrace their truth, dissolve limiting beliefs, and transcend generational trauma.  Tracy's heart-centered approach offers a safe space for women to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Through introspection and guidance, women are empowered to heal old wounds so they can reconnect to their authentic selves and enjoy a more aligned life and fulfilling relationships with less stress and true joy and happiness.  hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! @kumbayall on Instagram Tracy Brown Coaching - Empowering women to rediscover their true selves and create a profoundly healthy, whole, and balanced life. Birth Mindset Mastery - Download our FREE training on how to prepare for childbirth pain with one simple move! Progressive Pregnancy - Discover the best way to prepare for childbirth so you can feel calm and confident giving birth at home. Join our online program to get immediate access today! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

New mothers face a lot of change, regardless of how many babies they've had before. One change that seems to be universal is the isolation new mothers feel after their baby arrives. Today we discuss this important topic with the founders of MESH Moms - a mothers' club for support and community in the early childhood years. In Kumbay'all episode 62, Amanda and Rebecca interview Martina Stellmaszek and Juliana Caspari and discuss: Their experience with new mom isolation Factors that contribute to isolation in motherhood Creative ways that new moms can find their tribe How MESH Moms supports new mothers We hope this episode provides helpful tips, insight, and encouragement to you!  If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! About Our Guests: Martina Stellmaszek and Juliana Caspari are the founders of MESH moms - a mothers club that supports families in the Atlanta area through the wonderful - and wonderfully challenging - years of early childhood. Martina & Juliana are longtime friends and have been sharing their ups and downs as they raise their combined seven children. Over the years they realized that despite their friendship, they were missing a greater community and often felt isolated and very alone. Recently they founded MESH moms to offer new moms what they most wanted in those early days: a network of support to catch you when you fall, and the shared experiences that create friendships which hopefully last a lifetime. Martina and Juliana have both been working moms, full-time moms, pro-bono working moms, and are now moms establishing the MESH moms community. In addition to their love of family, they share passions for global travel, languages, and the outdoors, especially skiing. Martina has a Bachelor's Degree in International Business and earned her MBA from Emory University. She worked for over a decade in global trade and development, most recently as President & CEO of an international non-profit. Her four children range from age 1 to 9. Juliana holds a Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering & Management, and has dedicated her career to business consulting, most recently as the head of strategy at an international insurance company. She has three children, ages 4 to 7. hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! @kumbayall on Instagram MESH Moms Birth Mindset Mastery - Download our FREE training on how to prepare for childbirth pain with one simple move! Progressive Pregnancy - Discover the best way to prepare for childbirth so you can feel calm and confident giving birth at home. Join our online program to get immediate access today! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

Giving birth is a pivotal time in a birthing person's life, but it's often overshadowed by the focus that's put on either being pregnant or the new baby. Baby showers, maternity photo shoots, and setting up the nursery seem to outshine the preparations for the actual labor and birth, although every person who has ever given birth knows how impactful that process is. In Kumbay'all episode 61 Amanda and Rebecca share the highlights of their homebirth stories and the key things they learned along the way. In this episode Amanda and Rebecca discuss: Their homebirth stories and how all three were different What they wish they considered when selecting a midwife Who they would have added to their birth team Misconceptions that they had (and most women have!) What they would have done differently We hope this episode provides helpful tips, insight, and encouragement to you. And we hope that sharing our birth stories helps you in your journey!  If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! About Your Hosts: We're Amanda and Rebecca - twin sisters, naturally-minded homebirth mamas, and co-founders of Progressive Pregnancy. We're on a mission to help you have a more empowered entrance into motherhood. Amanda Shipley, PT, DPT, MTC is the founder of Renew Pelvic Health in Atlanta, GA, and has been a physical therapist for more than 20 years. For the last 17 years Amanda has focused on helping patients prevent and heal pelvic floor issues. Her mission is to change the standard of care so that pelvic physical therapy is a part of a complete wellness strategy, like going to the dentist. Amanda is passionate about preventing pelvic floor issues and supporting her patients through the life transitions that we know affect the pelvic floor so strongly - pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause/menopause, and before/after surgery. Rebecca Squires is a management consultant who helps healthcare entrepreneurs improve operations, build their team, and grow their practice in a sustainable way. She volunteers with a local animal rescue and is on the board of a non-profit homeschool organization that serves the metro Atlanta area. hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! @kumbayall on Instagram Birth Mindset Mastery - Download our FREE training on how to prepare for childbirth pain with one simple move! Progressive Pregnancy - Discover the best way to prepare for childbirth so you can feel calm and confident giving birth at home. Join our online program to get immediate access today! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

New moms often hear to ‘take it easy' during the postpartum period, but how do you know if you're doing too much? And how long does this postpartum period last? In Kumbay'all episode 60 Amanda shares the 5 main signs that you're doing too much after baby arrives.  In this episode Amanda discusses and describes: The window she calls the ‘maximum protection phase' - how long it lasts, the different stages within this period, and what general guidelines for activity that she suggests during each stage The top 5 signs that you're doing too much postpartum What to do when your body gives you those signs Other signals that might indicate that you're doing too much postpartum and how to get help We hope this episode provides validation, support, and encouragement to you. Having a baby is a life-changing event in more ways than one, and it's important to give yourself grace, time, and as much support as you can get.  About Amanda: Amanda Shipley, PT, DPT, MTC is the founder and owner of Renew Pelvic Health, and has been a physical therapist for more than 20 years. For the last 15 years Amanda has focused on helping patients prevent and heal pelvic floor issues. Her mission is to change the standard of care so that pelvic physical therapy is a part of a complete wellness strategy, like going to the dentist. Amanda believes in a holistic approach and focuses on treating the whole person and not just their symptoms. Besides extensive manual therapy techniques and individualized exercise prescription, she fosters wellness by encouraging good nutrition, stress management, and patient education as an integral part of empowering all of her patients. She is passionate about preventing pelvic floor issues and supporting her patients through the life transitions that we know affect the pelvic floor so strongly - pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause/menopause, and before/after surgery. Amanda and her team see patients at Renew Pelvic Health in Atlanta, GA and she creates online courses in pelvic health through Progressive Pelvic Education. In addition, she is the creator and host of the podcast Kumbay'all: The Whole Woman's Resource. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Other options for support include: Postpartum Support International or 1-800-944-4773 Find a Pelvic PT at PelvicGuru.com or PelvicRehab.com Kumbay'all Episode 58: Fourth Trimester Wisdom from a Postpartum Doula with Colleen Goidel Kumbay'all Episode 34: Early Postpartum Healing Kumbay'all Episode 35: Top 10 Tips for Holistic Postpartum Healing Progressive Pelvic Education - check out Amanda's current course offerings and get on the wait list for her homebirth prep course! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

Buying and selling a home is said to be in the top 5 most stressful moments of your life. But having a home that supports your life can remove a huge number of daily stressors, and can make a huge difference in the quality of your life! In Amanda's private practice and with her online courses she's passionate about helping people see a vision for what's possible with their pelvic health. Oftentimes people are too embarrassed to ask questions about their pelvic issues, or they make assumptions that prevent them from even asking - so they don't know what's possible for their pelvic health, sexual health, childbirth, postpartum recovery, or post-surgical healing. We're excited to have today's guest join us because she is excellent at helping her clients cast a vision for what's possible with their life and how real estate can help them realize those dreams. If you've been discouraged about the current real estate market, have fears around homeownership, or just don't know what questions to ask - this is a great episode for you!  In Kumbay'all episode 59 Adrianna discusses: - Fears that hold people back from considering a real estate purchase and how she approaches those fears with her clients - What questions to ask yourself when considering buying a home - How to start the process of dreaming of your ideal home - At what point she suggests you get a realtor involved - Her Game Plan Process and how it can help you About Adrianna: Adrianna Berlin is a Realtor and Real Estate Negotiation Expert who helps Metro Atlantans upsize to the right size using her Game Plan Process. She's been helping individuals and families buy and sell properties for 8 years. She is a mom to 3 boys and lives in Clarkston, GA where they decided to upsize to their right size and found the neighbors of their dreams. Her top 3 things to talk about these days are helping you reach your best life, the 12th season of Hoarders, and how much she loves The Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! ABAtlanta.com - learn how you can work with Adrianna @AdriannaBerlinRealEstate - follow Adrianna on Instagram @AdriannaBerlinRealEstateGroup - connect with Adrianna on Facebook Progressive Pelvic Education - check out Amanda's current course offerings and get on the wait list for her homebirth prep course! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

The fourth trimester is a time of HUGE adjustment, no matter how many babies you've had, and our guest today will share some great advice and suggestions for how to help ease this transition. Today's episode is part two of a two-part series on doulas. In episode 57 we learned about birth doulas and why you'd want to have one on your birth support team. You don't have to listen to these in any particular order but if you haven't checked out that episode you'll want to go back and listen to it for sure! Today's episode is about postpartum doulas, with wisdom from a very experienced postpartum doula. Yes, you can get doula support not just for your birth, but for after baby arrives as well! Our guest, Colleen Goidel, has supported hundreds of laboring, postpartum, and breastfeeding clients over the past two decades. She has great information and insight to share! In Kumbay'all episode 58 Colleen discusses: What a postpartum doula is and how they can help new parents What benefits a postpartum doula offers vs having a friend or family member help out Some ways to prepare for the fourth trimester Why she encourages being a ‘good-enough' parent vs being your ‘best self' How to have compassion for your baby when they're crying at 3am and you're sleep-deprived Why it's important for new parents to support themselves What questions to discuss with your partner to help you plan for the fourth trimester About Colleen Goidel: Colleen Goidel, CPD(CAPPA), CLE(CAPPA), CBE(BFW) is a certified postpartum doula, ‘Birthing From Within' certified childbirth educator, certified lactation educator, newborn care educator, and the co-founder of Two Doulas and You. Colleen has also developed a full-spectrum education program that includes evidence-based childbirth, lactation, and newborn-care classes. Inspired by her own experience as a parent and grandparent, Colleen is passionate about helping expectant and new parents discover and manifest their birth, feeding, and parenting priorities without judgment, and with an open heart and mind. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Two Doulas and You - learn more about how you can work with Colleen or take her classes Progressive Pelvic Education - check out Amanda's current course offerings and get on the wait list for her homebirth prep course! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

If you have a midwife or doctor attending your birth, why would you need a birth doula? Listen in to learn why and much more! This episode is the first in a two-part series about doulas. Today we're going to learn about birth doulas and why you'd want to have one on your birth support team. Episode 58 will be about postpartum doulas - and if you didn't know that there's such a thing as a postpartum doula, you'll definitely want to listen to that episode too! Our guest, Colleen Goidel, has supported hundreds of laboring, postpartum, and breastfeeding clients over the past two decades. She has great information and insight to share! In Kumbay'all episode 57 Colleen discusses: - What a birth doula is and what they do - Why it's so helpful to have a birth doula - How birth doulas can help birthing people with pain management - How to feel empowered even if your birth doesn't go the way you planned - What benefits a birth doula offers that might be difficult for a friend or family member - What things to consider when deciding who to have at your birth - What the process is like when you hire a birth doula on her team About Colleen Goidel: Colleen Goidel, CPD(CAPPA), CLE(CAPPA), CBE(BFW) is a certified postpartum doula, ‘Birthing From Within' certified childbirth educator, certified lactation educator, newborn care educator, and the co-founder of Two Doulas and You. Colleen has also developed a full-spectrum education program that includes evidence-based childbirth, lactation, and newborn-care classes. Inspired by her own experience as a parent and grandparent, Colleen is passionate about helping expectant and new parents discover and manifest their birth, feeding, and parenting priorities without judgment, and with an open heart and mind. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Two Doulas and You - learn more about how you can work with Colleen or take her classes Progressive Pelvic Education - check out Amanda's current course offerings and get on the wait list for her homebirth prep course! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

If you think detoxing is only about water fasts and special supplements, you'll want to listen up! Even though today's episode is geared towards detoxing considerations before and during pregnancy, it has wonderful information for everyone! Our guest, Dr Rachel Marynowski, joins us to talk about why and how to detox your body before you get pregnant. Dr Marynowski shares why detoxification is something to put on your radar if you're thinking about conceiving, who needs to think about it, and not only how to detox but how to avoid toxins in the first place. It's a great episode with lots of valuable information!  In Kumbay'all episode 56 Dr Marynowski shares information such as: - How a naturopathic doctor (ND) degree is different from a medical doctor (MD) degree - Why couples should think about detoxification before getting pregnant - If a pre-pregnancy detox is important for birthing people only, or if it matters for partners too  - What some sources of toxins are, and how to avoid them - How to detox before pregnancy, and what to do if you're already pregnant - Her thoughts about topics such as sparkling water and hydration - The importance of mental and emotional health when preparing for motherhood About Dr Marynowski: Rachel Marynowski ND is a board-certified and licensed Naturopathic Physician in Atlanta, GA. After working in corporate health for a large hospital system, Dr Marynowski sought a more comprehensive medical model, based upon preventive rather than disease-based care; one that analyzes the whole body and encourages patients to take an active role in their own health. Dr Marynowski found that naturopathy was the perfect fit. She graduated from National University of Health Sciences and is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. She serves as an elected official on the Georgia Association of Naturopathic Physicians executive board and sits on the advisory committee for the naturopathic program at NUHS. Dr Marynowski holds special interest in women's health, gastrointestinal dysfunction & disease, environmental medicine, endocrinology/hormonal dysfunction, functional medicine, clinical nutrition and homeopathy. In 2016, she and three colleagues co-founded an integrative medical clinic where she currently practices as the head of primary care. Their clinic, VitalAtlanta, is in downtown Atlanta and includes the Atlanta Birth Center, psychotherapy, acupuncture, massage, craniosacral, chiropractic, lactation support, nutrition, midwifery, obstetrics and gynecology. She is also the co-founder of an online health & wellness initiative called www.kaleblossom.com. Her goal is to increase access to integrative medicine and to nourish practitioner partnerships for the ultimate benefit to each individual patient's healthcare, and to empower patients to reach their optimal health in mind, body and spirit. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Kale Blossom - check out Dr Marynowski's site for health and wellness tips, or follow her on Instagram for health education and humor! Intonu Wellness - Dr Marynowski's practice in Atlanta, GA Find a Naturopathic Physician - through the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner - through the Institute for Functional Medicine Progressive Pelvic Education - check out Amanda's current course offerings and get on the wait list for her homebirth prep course! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

Are you thinking of starting or expanding your family? Then you won't want to miss today's episode!  Our guest is Caitlin Samson, MSACN, MS - a clinical nutritionist, exercise physiologist, and homebirth mom of three, who will teach you why it's important to think about healthy nutrition habits before you even start trying to get pregnant. She gives useful tips and actionable advice to help you eat and avoid the foods that'll support you and your baby! In Kumbay'all episode 55 Caitlin discusses: How soon before your pregnancy you can start working on your nutrition Why nutrition is important during this preconception phase How to be flexible to help yourself make lasting changes and meet your nutrition goals If preconception nutrition is important for women only, or if it matters for men too  What foods are beneficial before and during pregnancy What foods to avoid before pregnancy or if you're trying to conceive If detoxing is safe to do before you try to get pregnant Some of the issues that she sees in her nutrition counseling practice  How your nutrition can help you and your baby during your pregnancy and afterwards About Caitlin: Caitlin Samson, MSACN, MS is a Clinical Nutritionist and Exercise Physiologist with more than 10 years of experience helping clients get healthy and stay healthy. As a nine-time marathoner and homebirth mom of three Caitlin understands how important nutrition is for optimal performance as well as motherhood! Caitlin's background is in medical research, health coaching, personal training, and nutritional counseling. Caitlin takes a holistic, individualized approach to her client's health, and some of her interests include chronic illness, digestive wellness, Lyme disease, fatigue, anxiety and depression, children's health, and preconception nutrition. This is Caitlin's second time on the Kumbay'all podcast - she was one of our first guests, on episode 5! You can listen to that episode and learn more about Caitlin's story and what she recommends to prevent disease and live our best life possible.  If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! True Food and Wellness - Caitlin's practice in Smyrna, GA Suja Juice - Caitlin is a fan of this low-sugar green juice for her family MyPlate - guideline that can help you visualize how to get a balanced meal FedUp - documentary that discusses the harm of sugar Progressive Pelvic Education - check out Amanda's current course offerings and get on the wait list for her homebirth prep course! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

Are you struggling with conscious parenting, despite your best intentions? Are you unsure of how to stay connected with your children and to other loved ones (including yourself) when stress and frustration get high? Today's guest gives practical ways to implement conscious parenting and shares fundamental concepts of brain development that will help you understand yourself and your children better. This is a replay of one of our favorite episodes - episode 16. It's so good we had to share it again! In Kumbay'all episode 54 you'll learn: - How our knowledge of child development and neurobiology has changed, and what this means for how we approach parenting - Carrie's suggestions for common struggles parents face - Tips for handling a meltdown - Aspects of attachment theory, prenatal and perinatal psychology, and interpersonal neurobiology that can help shape your parenting approach - Why self-care is a necessity and not a luxury - Different types of self-care and how to learn which ones are most important to you This episode is packed with actionable advice and great information, we hope you enjoy! About Carrie: Carrie Contey, PhD is an internationally-recognized coach, author, speaker, and educator. Her work offers a new perspective on human development, parenting and family life. She guides, supports, and inspires her clients to live with wide-open and courageous hearts so they can approach family life with skill and spaciousness. Carrie received her doctorate in clinical psychology with an emphasis on prenatal and perinatal psychology and is masterful at synthesizing and articulating the science, psychology, and spirituality of humanhood. She is the creator of Evolve, a year-long "personal growth through parenting" program which ran from 2011-2017. She is also the co-founder of the Slow Family Living movement and the co-author of CALMS: A Guide To Soothing Your Baby. Carrie has appeared on NBC's The Today Show, NPR, CBS radio and in many publications including Time, Parenting, Huffington Post, and The Boston Globe. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! CarrieContey.com - learn more about Carrie and how you can work with her Progressive Pelvic Education - check out Amanda's current course offerings and get on the wait list for her homebirth prep course! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

You don't want to miss our first episode of 2023 - it's going to set you up for success for the year ahead! Bethany Baker, a Certified High Performance Coach through the High Performance Institute, joins Amanda in today's episode to share her formula for how to have your best year ever!  In Kumbay'all episode 53 you'll learn: - The steps to follow to have your best year ever - What's more valuable than money - How to get yourself motivated - How to help yourself when you're feeling down or things get tough - How to ensure that the work gets done - How to check in with yourself throughout the day - Insights into the tips & tricks that Bethany shares with her clients This episode is packed with actionable advice and great information, you'll want to listen with your pen and paper ready so you can take notes! About Bethany: Bethany Baker is a productivity and self development junkie and a worldschooling adventure mom who's currently over-landing the Americas with her husband and two daughters. She's passionate about coaching fellow moms, teaching them the tools they need to live the full and balanced life they seek, challenging them about what they believe is possible for themselves, and then helping them realize their full potential. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Best Year Ever - download Bethany's How to Have Your Best Year Ever formula and New Year Prep guide she mentions in today's episode Be Your Best With Bethany - learn about Bethany's offerings and how you can work with her Progressive Pelvic Education - check out Amanda's current course offerings and get on the wait list for her homebirth prep course! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

Today is our last episode of 2022, it's incredible to think that this year is almost over! Kumbay'all will take a break for the holidays and will return in January 2023.  Listen to this quick solo episode with Amanda for some timely year-end reminders and to learn about some of the exciting new things she has planned for 2023! - Amanda's signature homebirth course - what she did that helped her patients have smooth childbirths and helped Amanda go from a 30-hour labor with her first child to a 10-hour labor with her second child! - Exciting new guests, including her own High Performance Coach, to help you get the year started off right! You won't want to miss our new episodes in January for an AMAZING start to the New Year and to help you have your best year ever! We hope you have a wonderful finish to 2022 and a great start to 2023! About Amanda: Amanda Shipley, PT, DPT, MTC is a pelvic physical therapist in Atlanta, GA with more than 15 years of experience helping patients prevent and heal pelvic floor issues. Her mission is to change the standard of care so that pelvic physical therapy is a part of a complete wellness strategy that incorporates preventative care, like going to the dentist. Dr. Shipley believes in a holistic approach and focuses on treating the whole person and not just their symptoms. After having two unmedicated homebirths, Dr. Shipley is especially passionate about helping birthing people have as smooth a childbirth as possible. She believes that everyone would benefit from seeing a pelvic physical therapist during pregnancy. By supporting birthing people at this pivotal time in their life, we're not only supporting their bodies and immediate families, but we're also helping our communities. Dr. Shipley sees patients at her practice, Renew Pelvic Health, and is the creator and host of the podcast Kumbay'all: The Whole Woman's Resource. She also founded Progressive Pelvic Education with her twin sister, as a way to realize her dream of making pelvic health education more accessible via online courses at progressivepelviceducation.com. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Progressive Pelvic Education - check out Amanda's current course offerings and get on the wait list for her homebirth prep course! @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook

Why is it important to know yourself? How can this knowledge help you in life? Today's episode dives into this topic in an empowering way! Listen in for more details and to learn how knowing more about who you are and what brings you joy can be a powerful way to: - Love yourself - Reduce self-criticism and judgement - Live a more authentic, fulfilling, and joyful life In Kumbay'all episode 51 Amanda has a great conversation with Lauren Ivy about the power of getting to know yourself better, including topics like: - Human design and how it can help you - Things to consider if you're evaluating making a change in your life - The power of the pause - How to tap into your body for wisdom - Lauren's meditation practice (after 20 years of experimenting!) - How to journal to expand awareness About Lauren: Lauren Ivy is an Empowerment & Authenticity Coach and is the owner of Open to Alchemy. She helps clients feel more free and fulfilled using a variety of self-discovery modalities including Human Design, Energy Alignment and Intuitive Guidance. She helps clients get the clarity they need with identifying their gifts, what brings them joy, and how they can align with their purpose and step into the truest, fullest possibility for themselves. Lauren is also the host of the Open to Alchemy podcast. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Open to Alchemy - learn more about Lauren and how to work with her Open to Alchemy Podcast - check out Lauren's podcast on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook Progressive Pelvic Education - online courses on pelvic health @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook

Would you describe yourself as artistic? Good news! Whether you think you're creative or not, you can use art as an outlet for difficult emotions. Today's guest is a self-taught artist who used watercolor painting as a way to help herself through an especially challenging time in her life. We think you'll find her reflections and insights helpful! In Kumbay'all episode 50 Amanda talks with Melissa Kemper Westbrook about her artistic journey, including topics such as: - How she got started with watercolors and how she learned to paint - How she used art to get herself through some very difficult times in her life - How her background as an educator influenced her work as an artist - Her advice for ‘unartistic' people who would like to start creating art About Melissa: Melissa Kemper Westbrook is a long-time resident of Atlanta, where she spent the first 15 years of her career teaching highschool English, drama, and yearbook. Just weeks before the pandemic began, Melissa gave birth to her youngest child. Since then, she has been home with her four boys while her husband works full time and finishes his doctoral dissertation.  To help her cope with the stresses of pandemic parenting, Melissa started painting in between diaper changes, skinned knees, and grilled cheeses. The death of Melissa's beloved father in November 2020 was devastating, and she uses her art and poetry to express her grief and gratitude for him.  In the summer of 2021 Melissa started working in earnest towards a creative career and is now selling her prints, taking commissions, leading creativity workshops, and continuing to work on her novel. You can see more of her work and follow her creative process on Instagram and her website. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! M. Kemper Westbrook - see more of Melissa's work @m.kemper.westbrook - follow Melissa's creative process on Instagram Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook Progressive Pelvic Education - online courses on pelvic health @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook

Who doesn't want to be more prepared for the holidays? Listen to today's episode for insights and tips to increase your calm and decrease your stress this holiday season! In Kumbay'all episode 49 Amanda talks with professional organizer Gigi Miller about how to prepare for the holidays, including topics such as: - What things people struggle with around the holidays in particular - Why it's good to start thinking about preparing for the holidays early - What things families can do to prepare for an organized and calm holiday season - Some of Gigi's favorite holiday-related organizational tips About Gigi: Gigi Miller is the founder of Vision Organizing in Atlanta, GA. Since 2008 she has offered individuals, families and companies of all sizes organization and productivity solutions that are simple, sustainable, and effective for long-term success and visible results. Her services include residential organizing, personal productivity, business organizing, and training workshops. Gigi is dedicated to helping clients clear the physical and mental clutter to create space for what they genuinely care about and live lives aligned with their core values. Her philosophy is based on simplifying spaces, prioritizing time, and creating boundaries in work and life. Gigi's clients include executives on Wall Street, top-tier health systems, legal firms, educational institutions, and corporations. Gigi is a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and served on the board of the Georgia Chapter as Vice President, Marketing Director, and Director of Professional Development. Gigi holds a NAPO Specialist Certificate in Workplace Productivity, Certificate in Coaching Essentials from the Certified Organizer Coach Training Program and continues her education through NAPO classes and annual conferences. In addition, Gigi is a founding member of The Lola, an Atlanta-based women's workspace that supports local non-profit organizations, companies founded by women, and its members. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Vision Organizing - learn more about how Gigi can help you or your company Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook Progressive Pelvic Education - online courses on pelvic health @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook

How much of your life do you live in an overwhelmed state? Are you already beginning to get nervous for the extra stress of the upcoming holidays? If you tend to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stressed, and are already getting worried about the holidays - today's episode is a must-listen! In Kumbay'all episode 48 Amanda has a wonderful conversation with trauma-sensitive movement specialist Bree Hibbs-Kenny, where they discuss: - The signs to look for to let you know that your body is getting anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed - Why it's important to check in with these feelings and manage our stress - What you can do to help combat holiday stress - How having an embodiment practice can make a difference in your stress level About Bree: As a ballet-trained performance artist, Bree Hibbs-Kenny has been teaching both adults and children to connect with their own bodies through dance, theater, and yoga for more than 16 years. Bree has been passionate about embodiment – helping people connect with and be inside their own body – throughout her career. Bree was first introduced to yoga 20 years ago, but it wasn't until she suffered an ischemic stroke in 2013 and her world was turned upside down that she realized how transformative yoga could be. She practiced yoga during her recovery because she hoped that a ‘bottom up' approach of taking care of her body first would help the other areas of her life. Not only did her yoga practice help her recover from the stroke and accompanying depression, it ignited her desire to study trauma and movement. Through the yogic experience, Bree uncovered that her physical body has a direct connection with her nervous system and psychological well-being. Now her primary focus is helping people with embodiment and empowerment through movement sessions. Bree received her 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher certification in 2018. Shortly afterwards she trained with The Center for Trauma and Embodiment at Justice Resource Institute in Brookline, Massachusetts and completed her Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator certification there. She completed the Mama Tree Prenatal Yoga Training and (as of Oct 2022) is currently working to complete the Somatic Stress Release™ certificate. Bree offers movement sessions for the overwhelmed body both virtually and in-person at Renew Pelvic Health in Atlanta, GA. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Renew Pelvic Health - schedule a session with Bree or learn more about her offerings @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook Progressive Pelvic Education - online courses on pelvic health @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook

It's surprising how frequently we hear of patients who thought they were getting pelvic physical therapy when they weren't. How do you know if you're seeing a real pelvic physical therapist and getting true pelvic physical therapy? And why does that matter? Listen to Kumbay'all episode 47 to learn why you should care about who you see for pelvic physical therapy and how you can tell if you're seeing a real pelvic physical therapist. In this episode Amanda discusses topics such as: - How are pelvic physical therapists different from orthopedic physical therapists? - What are some red flags to look for when seeking pelvic physical therapy? - At what times and life stages would you want to see a pelvic physical therapist?  - What are three questions you can ask to make sure you're seeing a true pelvic physical therapist? About Amanda: Amanda Shipley, PT, DPT, MTC is a pelvic physical therapist in Atlanta, GA with more than 15 years of experience helping patients prevent and heal pelvic floor issues. Her mission is to change the standard of care so that pelvic physical therapy is a part of a complete wellness strategy, like going to the dentist. Dr. Shipley believes in a holistic approach and focuses on treating the whole person and not just their symptoms. After having two unmedicated homebirths, Dr. Shipley is especially passionate about helping birthing people have as smooth a childbirth as possible. She believes that everyone would benefit from seeing a pelvic physical therapist during pregnancy. Dr. Shipley sees patients at her practice, Renew Pelvic Health, and creates online courses in pelvic health through Progressive Pelvic Education. In addition, she is the creator and host of the podcast Kumbay'all: The Whole Woman's Resource. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook Progressive Pelvic Education - online courses on pelvic health @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook

We get questions about gender and sexuality all the time. In Kumbay'all episode 46 Amanda interviews @heatheredwardscreations - pelvic physical therapist, sex counselor, sex educator, artist, author, and founder of two adult sex ed event programs - about several different topics related to sexuality and sexual well-being. Heather creates art, books, events, education, and conversation for smashing some patriarchy with nonbinary crotch and pleasure enthusiasm, and she is a wealth of knowledge! In their conversation, Amanda and Heather cover topics such as: - The difference between sex counselors, sex therapists, and sex educators, and when you might want to see each type of professional - Some of the sexual health issues that Heather helps with in her pelvic physical therapy practice - How Heather first became interested in trans pelvic health - A review of terminology describing sex and gender expression, including cis, trans, binary, and intersex - How sex is actually assigned at birth - What we can learn from the structure of BDSM We hope you'll find this episode to be enlightening and enjoyable!  Please go to kumbayallpodcast.com to see Heather's full bio and how you can learn from her. This is an excerpt from episode 18, so you can also listen to that original discussion for even more information about Heather's background as well as her program, Vino & Vulvas. About Heather: Heather Edwards, PT, CSC (she/they) has been a pelvic physical therapist since 2003 and is an AASECT certified Sexuality Counselor as well as a Sex Educator. They achieved their dual certificate at the University of Michigan Sexual Health Certificate Program. They founded Vino & Vulvas in 2015 and it quickly became their favorite thing to do. They have presented at APTA's CSM, AASECT (sex therapy, counseling, and education), Teen PEP (comprehensive sex ed in schools), InterConnect (intersex advocacy), SE OB/GYN, and transgender conferences and teaches for Pelvic Global Academy on the topic of Trans-Inclusive Sexual & Pelvic Health. As the COO of Pelvic Guru, LLC, they create and curate collections of illustrations and handouts that are provided to interdisciplinary pelvic health providers. They have a series of courses that address specific sexual psychosocial aspects of medical care called Clinical Blindspots. They provide community sex education live and online as Vino & Vulvas and Bubbles & Bubbly. In addition to education and clinical work, Heather is an artist, illustrator, and author of the coloring book series "Coloring Books for the Crotch Enthusiast" an illustrated story about a nonbinary vulva, “Finding VaJoyJoy”, and most recently of a novel, June Full Moon. Her latest is erotica that is pelvic-health informed, consent-focused, and models emotionally intelligent dialogue as a new platform for her sex education work. As an advocate for promoting the inclusion of all minorities into sexual health, especially those who have been historically faced with many barriers to care, they have teamed up with Dr. Uchenna Ossai and Pelvic Global Academy to create the Pelvic Health Sex Counseling Certificate (www.pelvicsexcounseling.com). If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Heather Edwards Creations - Heather's website Heather Edwards Creations Linktree - additional info and products from Heather Episode 18 - original discussion with Heather - includes even more sexual health links! Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook Progressive Pelvic Education - online courses on pelvic health @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook

Have you been told that your health concern can't be prevented from getting worse?  That you just have to wait for your issue to be bad enough so you can qualify for medication or treatment for it?  Do you feel like your family history of a health concern automatically means that you'll have to deal with that issue too?  Don't believe it! Prevention is possible with your health - please don't let anyone tell you otherwise!  Listen to Kumbay'all episode 45 for examples and encouragement to put effort into preventing health concerns. It's easy to want to put off what isn't on fire right now, but attending to your body's whispers means you save yourself the pain and headache of waiting for it to yell. #KnowledgeIsPower and #PelvicHealthIsWealth About Amanda: Amanda Shipley, PT, DPT, MTC is a pelvic physical therapist in Atlanta, GA with more than 15 years of experience helping patients prevent and heal pelvic floor issues. Her mission is to change the standard of care so that pelvic physical therapy is a part of a complete wellness strategy, like going to the dentist. Dr. Shipley believes in a holistic approach and focuses on treating the whole person and not just their symptoms. After having two unmedicated homebirths, Dr. Shipley is especially passionate about helping birthing people have as smooth a childbirth as possible. She believes that everyone would benefit from seeing a pelvic physical therapist during pregnancy. Dr. Shipley sees patients at her practice, Renew Pelvic Health, and creates online courses in pelvic health through Progressive Pelvic Education. In addition, she is the creator and host of the podcast Kumbay'all: The Whole Woman's Resource. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook Progressive Pelvic Education - online courses on pelvic health @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook

Healthcare should be a collaborative effort between you and your provider. Knowing how to collaborate effectively involves tuning into your body and listening to what it's telling you.  Listen to Kumbay'all episode 44 to get 3 tips to learn how to follow your intuition with your health.  In addition to these tips, Amanda will cover:  - What questions to ask yourself - What to do before and during your healthcare appointments - What is important to remember with any provider/patient relationship About Amanda: Amanda Shipley, PT, DPT, MTC is a pelvic physical therapist in Atlanta, GA with more than 15 years of experience helping patients prevent and heal pelvic floor issues. Her mission is to change the standard of care so that pelvic physical therapy is a part of a complete wellness strategy, like going to the dentist. Dr. Shipley believes in a holistic approach and focuses on treating the whole person and not just their symptoms. After having two unmedicated homebirths, Dr. Shipley is especially passionate about helping birthing people have as smooth a childbirth as possible. She believes that everyone would benefit from seeing a pelvic physical therapist during pregnancy. Dr. Shipley sees patients at her practice, Renew Pelvic Health, and creates online courses in pelvic health through Progressive Pelvic Education. In addition, she is the creator and host of the podcast Kumbay'all: The Whole Woman's Resource. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook Progressive Pelvic Education - online courses on pelvic health @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook

Who doesn't want a flat stomach? We all feel this pressure, so even if you weren't taught to suck in your stomach throughout the day, you're probably still doing it without thinking about it. But is holding in your belly good for your body? Listen to Kumbay'all episode 43 to hear Amanda's answers to these questions: - How does holding your stomach in affect your pelvic floor? - What might happen if you hold your belly in constantly? - Should your stomach be flat all the time? - What can you do instead of holding your belly in? About Amanda: Amanda Shipley, PT, DPT, MTC is a pelvic physical therapist in Atlanta, GA with more than 15 years of experience helping patients prevent and heal pelvic floor issues. Her mission is to change the standard of care so that pelvic physical therapy is a part of a complete wellness strategy, like going to the dentist. Dr. Shipley believes in a holistic approach and focuses on treating the whole person and not just their symptoms. After having two unmedicated homebirths, Dr. Shipley is especially passionate about helping birthing people have as smooth a childbirth as possible. She believes that everyone would benefit from seeing a pelvic physical therapist during pregnancy. Dr. Shipley sees patients at her practice, Renew Pelvic Health, and creates online courses in pelvic health through Progressive Pelvic Education. In addition, she is the creator and host of the podcast Kumbay'all: The Whole Woman's Resource. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook Progressive Pelvic Education - online courses on pelvic health @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook

We teach our patients to take deep breaths hourly throughout the day to check in with their bodies and relax their pelvic floor with inhalation. But did you know that you can also check in with your pelvic floor through other areas of your body? Listen to today's quick podcast episode to learn 3 tips to help relax your jaw, and why this helps your pelvic floor.  They're easy to do and they're good for your pelvic health - a double win! About Amanda: Amanda Shipley, PT, DPT, MTC is a pelvic physical therapist in Atlanta, GA with more than 15 years of experience helping patients prevent and heal pelvic floor issues. Her mission is to change the standard of care so that pelvic physical therapy is a part of a complete wellness strategy, like going to the dentist. Dr. Shipley believes in a holistic approach and focuses on treating the whole person and not just their symptoms. After having two unmedicated homebirths, Dr. Shipley is especially passionate about helping birthing people have as smooth a childbirth as possible. She believes that everyone would benefit from seeing a pelvic physical therapist during pregnancy. Dr. Shipley sees patients at her practice, Renew Pelvic Health, and creates online courses in pelvic health through Progressive Pelvic Education. In addition, she is the creator and host of the podcast Kumbay'all: The Whole Woman's Resource. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook Progressive Pelvic Education - online courses on pelvic health @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook

Do you ever feel like you're ‘broken' or a ‘mess'? Especially if you learn something new about yourself or your body that you weren't aware of before? You're not alone!  But we also want to help you re-frame those feelings of overwhelm or discouragement. In today's quick pep talk, Amanda gives some perspective and a big dose of love. She also shares three affirmations you can do anytime you're feeling overwhelmed.  We hope that today's episode will encourage you and help you give yourself a little more grace and understanding.  About Amanda: Amanda Shipley, PT, DPT, MTC is a pelvic physical therapist in Atlanta, GA with more than 15 years of experience helping patients prevent and heal pelvic floor issues. Her mission is to change the standard of care so that pelvic physical therapy is a part of a complete wellness strategy, like going to the dentist. Dr. Shipley believes in a holistic approach and focuses on treating the whole person and not just their symptoms. After having two unmedicated homebirths, Dr. Shipley is especially passionate about helping birthing people have as smooth a childbirth as possible. She believes that everyone would benefit from seeing a pelvic physical therapist during pregnancy. Dr. Shipley sees patients at her practice, Renew Pelvic Health, and creates online courses in pelvic health through Progressive Pelvic Education. In addition, she is the creator and host of the podcast Kumbay'all: The Whole Woman's Resource. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook Progressive Pelvic Education - online courses on pelvic health @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook

If you have prolapse, there is hope that you don't need surgery! As a follow-up to last week's episode on tensegrity, Amanda shows how this model applies to prolapse from a pelvic physical therapist's perspective. Some of the topics addressed in Kumbay'all episode 40 are: - How did we use to think about prolapse? - What is the new way to think about prolapse? - What are some commonalities of people who have prolapse? - What is a more comprehensive way to heal prolapse? About Amanda: Amanda Shipley, PT, DPT, MTC is a pelvic physical therapist in Atlanta, GA with more than 15 years of experience helping patients prevent and heal pelvic floor issues. Her mission is to change the standard of care so that pelvic physical therapy is a part of a complete wellness strategy, like going to the dentist. Dr. Shipley believes in a holistic approach and focuses on treating the whole person and not just their symptoms. After having two unmedicated homebirths, Dr. Shipley is especially passionate about helping birthing people have as smooth a childbirth as possible. She believes that everyone would benefit from seeing a pelvic physical therapist during pregnancy. Dr. Shipley sees patients at her practice, Renew Pelvic Health, and creates online courses in pelvic health through Progressive Pelvic Education. In addition, she is the creator and host of the podcast Kumbay'all: The Whole Woman's Resource. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Episode 39 - A New Way to Think About Your Body - with Dr Liliana Warner Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook Progressive Pelvic Education - online courses on pelvic health @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook

When you think of chiropractic care, do you think of bones cracking or spine adjustments? Chiropractic care isn't just about cracking bones! Today we learn about a gentler and more holistic method of chiropractic and an architectural concept that applies to the human body as well. It may change how you think about your body! In Kumbay'all episode 39 Amanda asks Dr Liliana these questions and more: - What is Bio-Geometric Integration? How does this differ from other forms of chiropractic care? - What is tensegrity in the human body? And why should people care about this concept? - How does the concept of tensegrity affect how you approach chiropractic care? - What can people do to apply this concept to improve their health? About Dr Liliana: Dr Liliana Warner is a Doctor of Chiropractic, Wellness Educator, and Owner of Lotus of Life Chiropractic in Decatur, GA. She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from James Madison University in Virginia and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University in Atlanta, GA. Dr Liliana's practice focuses on family, pediatric, and pregnancy care because she was able to see firsthand how much of a difference it makes when started at an early age. She is passionate about helping her patients harness their body's internal healing power so they can enjoy health and wellness. She is certified in the Webster technique (which is used during pregnancy to help patients have a smoother delivery), and has extensive training on Bio-Geometric Integration. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Lotus of Life Chiropractic - Dr Liliana's practice in Decatur, GA Anatomy Trains - tensegrity model Architecture of Life - PubMed link to article on the role of tensegrity in the architecture of organic structures Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook Progressive Pelvic Education - online courses on pelvic health @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook

Have you ever wondered if pain during sex is normal? Have you ever been told that sex is going to hurt? If so, this episode is for you! In Kumbay'all episode 38 Amanda shares information about these questions: - How common is painful sex? - Are there certain times in life when painful sex is considered normal?  - What are some things that may cause pain with sex? - What are some things you can do to avoid painful intercourse? About Amanda: Amanda Shipley, PT, DPT, MTC is a pelvic physical therapist in Atlanta, GA with more than 15 years of experience helping patients prevent and heal pelvic floor issues. Her mission is to change the standard of care so that pelvic physical therapy is a part of a complete wellness strategy, like going to the dentist. Dr. Shipley believes in a holistic approach and focuses on treating the whole person and not just their symptoms. After having two unmedicated homebirths Dr. Shipley is especially passionate about helping birthing people have as smooth a childbirth as possible. She believes that everyone would benefit from seeing a pelvic physical therapist during pregnancy. Dr. Shipley sees patients at her practice, Renew Pelvic Health, and creates online courses in pelvic health through Progressive Pelvic Education. In addition, she is the creator and host of the podcast Kumbay'all: The Whole Woman's Resource. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! hello@kumbayallpodcast.com - Let us know what you thought of this episode! Movement Sessions at Renew Pelvic Health pelvicguru.com - Find a pelvic health professional near you pelvicrehab.com - Find a pelvic rehab practitioner near you www.aasect.org - Find a sexuality educator, counselor or therapist near you Renew Pelvic Health - Amanda's practice in Atlanta, GA @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook Progressive Pelvic Education - online courses on pelvic health @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook

What does it mean to bond with your baby? What does this look like and why is it important?  This is a great episode whether you're a first-time or a many-time parent!  In Kumbay'all episode 37 Amanda talks with Karla Arredondo, OTR/L about what attunement is, in addition to these topics: - Why is attunement so important to child development? - Does attunement have anything to do with attachment theory?  - How does maternal mental health affect mother-infant attunement? - Is there a timeframe when attunement needs to happen?  Listen today to also get Karla's top 3 tips to help you bond with your baby! About today's guest: Karla Arredondo has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a masters in occupational therapy. She's been a pediatric occupational therapist for seven years, and for the last five years she's also specialized in women's health occupational therapy. As a women's health occupational therapist, Karla supports women and all birthing people in planning for the fourth trimester - this includes things like home modifications and ergonomic education, pelvic health, breastfeeding & sleep support, maternal mental health, infant attachment and attunement, and safe return to work and exercise. She has additional training in postpartum functional exercise, perinatal health, and maternal mental health.  Karla is passionate about bringing kind, compassionate, and culturally-sensitive care to women, breaking the stigma of mental health in the Latinx communities, addressing health from a preventative approach, and empowering people through education and by helping them rebuild confidence in themselves. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! www.kumbayallpodcast.com/ www.renewpelvichealth.com @renewpelvichealth on Instagram or Facebook courses.progressivepelviceducation.com @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram or Facebook

If you're getting ready to have a baby, this episode is for you!  In Kumbay'all episode 36 Amanda interviews Nicole Schwartz - an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and founder of Beyond Birth Collective about why you need a lactation consultant as part of your support team.  Nicole was a tremendous help to Amanda when she had breastfeeding issues with her second child, and Amanda is excited to share this information with you!  In today's episode they discuss: - Why you should see a lactation consultant individually when there is so much free information on social media - Why just seeing a lactation consultant in the hospital isn't always enough - How working with a lactation consultant during pregnancy can help you - The top 3 myths about breastfeeding that Nicole sees online - How Amanda's experiences breastfeeding her two children were different, and how working with Nicole helped her at a critical time for her baby We hope you'll share this episode with any friends or family who are expecting a child. It's great knowledge to have before baby arrives and may help them avoid or handle a stressful situation more easily. As always, if you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! www.beyondbirthcollective.com @beyondbirthcollective on Instagram @beyondbirthcollectiveatl on Facebook www.renewpelvichealth.com @RenewPelvicHealth on Instagram & Facebook courses.progressivepelviceducation.com @progressive.pelvic.ed on Instagram & Facebook

Welcome back to Part 2 of our two-part series on #PostpartumHealing! In episode 35 of the Kumbay'all Podcast Amanda gives her Top 10 Tips for Holistic Postpartum Healing. Listen in to hear advice from an experienced pelvic floor physical therapist (who has had two homebirths) about: - What to do during the first 6 weeks - What to do once you've reached 6 weeks postpartum - What NOT to do before 6 weeks postpartum, and maybe longer, depending on your unique situation If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! www.renewpelvichealth.com courses.progressivepelviceducation.com

Episode 34 of the Kumbay'all Podcast is Part 1 of a two-part series where Amanda discusses #PostpartumHealing. In Part 1 she focuses on big picture thinking regarding healing after childbirth, including things like: - How our societal views on and comfort with our pelvic floor affect postpartum healing - The emphasis put on the first six weeks postpartum – what she calls ‘bounce-back culture' - What the #FourthTrimester is and why this time period is important - How to re-frame the postpartum period and adjust expectations for healing during that time - Which three things she recommends be the main focus during the fourth trimester Listen to Part 2 next week to get even more details about Amanda's recommendations and her top 10 holistic postpartum healing tips. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support!  www.renewpelvichealth.com courses.progressivepelviceducation.com

A common goal of physical therapy is to avoid surgery. Many believe that surgery is the least-desired option and should be avoided at all costs. But at times surgery may be the right choice for your body. Even when you do a lot of work and do everything ‘right' – your body may need additional help to regain full function. In today's episode Amanda interviews a mom of 3 who benefited from both pelvic floor physical therapy AND abdominoplasty (a ‘tummy tuck') to repair her diastasis recti. Listen to Kumbay'all episode 33 to learn: - How things were different for Michele with each pregnancy/childbirth - What preconceived notions she had about the surgery and how that changed - What research she did before the surgery and what surgical options she considered - Tips & suggestions for preparing for surgery and helping your body recover afterwards - How she feels now at 11 months post-op - What advice she would give anyone considering this type of surgery We like sharing stories with different views and different outcomes, to help show you that there is more than one path forward to a healthy and full life. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! www.renewpelvichealth.com courses.progressivepelviceducation.com

Is pelvic physical therapy helpful if you give birth via C-section? In Kumbay'all episode 32 Amanda discusses this question in detail, including topics such as: - How do changes during pregnancy affect your pelvic floor? - What additional considerations does a C-section present to postpartum healing? - How can pelvic physical therapy help with postpartum healing? - What things are pelvic physical therapists able to help you prevent after a C-section? No matter how you're planning to give birth, this episode gives helpful information! If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support!  www.renewpelvichealth.com courses.progressivepelviceducation.com

Nobody wants to talk about poop until things aren't working correctly! But don't wait until you think you have a problem, educate yourself now to prevent problems from happening or fix the ones you didn't know you already have! In Kumbay'all episode 31 Amanda shares valuable knowledge about pooping and constipation, including topics such as: - How often should you have a bowel movement? - What can happen if you don't go to the bathroom often enough? - What is prolapse and what is a common misconception about it? - What are the symptoms of constipation that you should be looking out for?  - What does constipation feel like? - What is an easy way to talk to your doctor about this? - What causes constipation? - How can pelvic physical therapy help with constipation? This might not be your favorite topic, but we hope you take a few minutes to learn more about this important aspect of our health! If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support!  www.renewpelvichealth.com courses.progressivepelviceducation.com

It's common for us to practice prevention with many areas of our health, except when it comes to our pelvic floor. We want to change this! In today's Kumbay'all podcast episode Amanda discusses: - Why we want to make sure that our pelvic floor is healthy and functioning well - Why people don't talk about their pelvic floor more - When you should see a pelvic physical therapist for a wellness visit - The times in your life when it's especially important to pay attention to your pelvic floor health - How the absence of symptoms does NOT mean that there aren't issues happening with your pelvic floor (with an interesting pregnancy example!) We hope this episode is enlightening and encourages you to include your pelvic floor in your wellness strategy. If you enjoyed this episode please share it, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and we appreciate your support! www.renewpelvichealth.com courses.progressivepelviceducation.com

If you are planning to have surgery in the future, this episode is for you! We've all heard of rehab to recover after surgery or injury. But many people haven't heard of ‘prehab' - ways to prepare your body for surgery in advance. When you plan for a big trip or vacation, you do several things to prepare. Get time off work, book tickets, get a pet sitter, plan your agenda, prepare for things you'll need while you're away, etc. Preparing for a successful surgery involves similar forethought and planning! A visit to a pelvic physical therapist before your surgery can prime you for the process and help equip you with the knowledge for as smooth a recovery as possible. Amanda gives valuable advice in this solo episode about: - What prehab is and why it's important - What types of surgery would benefit from a visit to a pelvic PT beforehand - Why it's good to see a pelvic PT before surgery - How to advocate for yourself in the hospital and what to ask for before you're discharged - Other ways to support your body before surgery If you enjoyed today's episode please share with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe to the podcast. We love hearing from you and appreciate your support! www.renewpelvichealth.com www.pelvicguru.com www.pelvicrehab.com www.apta.org

If you feel badly for not doing 500 Kegels a day, you should listen to this episode! When people think about pelvic floor health, many first think of Kegels. Contrary to popular opinion, not everyone should be doing Kegels! Kegels can do more harm than good at times, so it's important to understand when to do them and when NOT to do them. Amanda clarifies the important things to know about Kegels in this quick solo episode. Listen in to hear: What is a Kegel? How do you do a Kegel properly? (hint - it's not how you might have been taught!) When do you want to do a Kegel? When do you NOT want to do a Kegel? Why is it important to have an assessment by a pelvic physical therapist BEFORE doing Kegels? If you enjoyed today's episode please leave a review and subscribe to the podcast. We appreciate your support! www.renewpelvichealth.com www.pelvicguru.com www.pelvicrehab.com www.apta.org

I'm excited to have Whitney Miley Price join me for episode 27 of the Kumbay'all Podcast. Whitney is a fertility awareness and holistic reproductive health educator with wonderful insights to share! Whether you want to become pregnant, avoid getting pregnant, or just want to understand your body better - you will want to listen to this episode! In my talk with Whitney she covers: What Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) is and how it can help you Who would benefit from this method How long it takes to learn FAM How people who are testosterone dominant differ from people who are estrogen dominant How an awareness of your cycle can positively affect your life What you can do as a first step to learn this process To learn more about Whitney and see her offerings, visit http://www.whitneymileyprice.com/ If you enjoyed today's episode please leave a review and subscribe to the podcast. We appreciate your support!

Chantal Traub is an active birth doula and childbirth educator who has assisted birthing families in New York City for 21 yrs. Her experience in those areas as well as her work as a yoga teacher, integrative women's health coach, and postpartum recovery specialist has given her a deep understanding of the challenges birthing people currently face. Some of her insights might surprise you! Listen to this episode to learn: -What Chantal recommends to help you prepare for your birth -Why safety, support, and protection are essential for childbirth and what you can do to ensure that you feel confident about these areas for your labor -Why being ‘strong' isn't the only thing to focus on when preparing for labor -What can trip us up during childbirth (it's not what you think!) -What types of movement will help you prepare for childbirth -What exercises and activities Chantal and Amanda discourage their clients and patients from doing during pregnancy -How to shorten the second stage of labor and protect the perineum -What Chantal encourages all birthing people to ask to do just as the baby crowns We hope this conversation will be eye-opening and give lots of helpful information! You can find more information about Chantal and how to sign up for her workshop or contact her about her doula services here: https://www.chantaltraub.com/ If you enjoyed today's episode please leave a review and subscribe to the podcast. We appreciate your support!

In this episode you will get valuable insights on preparing for childbirth from Dr. Amanda Shipley, who has the experience of two natural home births and more than 14 years as a pelvic physical therapist.  Amanda will share her wisdom on: -An important step to prepare for childbirth and prevent pelvic issues afterwards -What pelvic floor issues can occur after childbirth -What is special about the pelvic floor muscles and why considering this key fact is important (this will surprise you!) -Why pelvic health is NOT just about Kegels -What you should focus on in addition to physically preparing for labor -How she prepared for childbirth differently during her two pregnancies and how her experiences varied as a result (it was a big difference!) Listen to the end to hear Amanda's top 4 things every person should do to prepare for childbirth.  We hope you find this episode enlightening and interesting. We would love to hear your feedback and what you found most helpful or surprising. If you enjoyed today's episode please leave a review and subscribe to the podcast. We appreciate your support! RenewPelvicHealth.com