Orgasmic Birth

Ep 150 Description:  “Pleasure is not a luxury. It is not a distraction. It is a human right. And reclaiming it—in childbirth, in healthcare, in life—is a path toward healing,  well-being, and activism.” —Debra Pascali Bonaro   Our bodies are intricate landscapes of sensation, where hormones dance, nerves communicate, and physiological responses intertwine in ways we're only beginning to understand. And these same pathways that create sexual pleasure are remarkably active during childbirth, challenging centuries of medical narratives that have reduced this transformative moment to a clinical, painful procedure.  This week, Debra discusses her landmark article, Orgasmic Birth: The Anatomy of Pleasure in Childbirth, published in Frontiers in Global Women's Health Journal, delving into the science of orgasmic birth, systemic obstetric violence, reproductive justice, hormonal landscapes of pleasure, the anatomy of childbirth, cultural narratives of pain, bodily autonomy, and the transformative potential of reclaiming women's birthing experiences. Don't miss this groundbreaking episode!  

Ep 149 Description:  “Your birth is yours to shape— not in every detail as the baby has some too— but in energy, intention, and experience. You deserve to be heard. You deserve to be honored. You deserve a birth that reflects YOU, your power, your pleasure, and your love.” —Debra Pascali-Bonaro  Birth isn't just a medical event—it's a deeply personal journey where you hold more power than you realize. What if your birth experience could be transformed from a clinical procedure to a profound, empowering moment of connection? Imagine stepping into your birth with confidence, clarity, and the ability to shape an experience that honors your deepest desires. Tune in as Debra breaks down the essential roadmap for creating personalized birth preferences, revealing how to communicate effectively with your healthcare team, understand your provider's practices, explore holistic approaches beyond medical interventions, and ultimately reclaim your birth as a sacred, intentional experience that reflects your unique vision of bringing new life into the world.   Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 00:50 Reflecting On Your Birth Desires 05:50 Know Your Provider's Practice Paradigm 11:43 Beyond Interventions — Creating Holistic Birth Preferences 15:57 Communication is Your Superpower 16:48 Your Birth is Yours to Shape     Resources: 

Orgasmic Birth Story Series   Ep 149 Description:  “The way to start to feel comfortable with it in birth is to become comfortable with the vibrator before your birth.” —Molly Moon  For too long, vibrators have been shrouded in shame and stigma, viewed solely as sexual devices. But the truth is, these powerful tools have the potential to transform the birthing experience.   Molly Moon is a yoga teacher, doula, and sacred songstress who brings the timeless wisdom of the feminine into her work. Her passion for guiding spiritual awakening has been reignited by the birth of her own child, inspiring her to explore nature-based education Tune in as Debra and Molly share how self-pleasure can be used as a powerful pain management tool, how it helps increase oxytocin—the essential hormone of labor, and how we can normalize vibrators as a shame-free support tool for birth preparation and beyond.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 02:43 Meet Molly: Incorporating Pleasure Into Birth 09:39 Molly's Birth Experience 14:14 Vibrator for Pain Management   21:28 Addressing Shame and Normalizing Vibrators  23:26 Postpartum Benefits of Vibrators  27:39 Tips for Birth Prep      Resources: 

Orgasmic Birth Story Series   Ep 147 Description:  "Work with pleasure. Find ways to feel pleasure. Don't start thinking about it when you are eight months pregnant. Start from day one or even before getting pregnant when you decide you want to have kids, because it's such a long way to to deconstruct this patriarchal myths that have been interjected into our unconscious since we are children." —Guta Galli    Sexuality and childbirth are not separate experiences, but a continuous, sacred dance of feminine energy. The same neural pathways that create sexual pleasure can guide us through the most intense moments of bringing life into the world where every contraction carries the potential for a deeply sensual, transformative experience that challenges everything we've been told about childbirth.  Guta Galli is an interdisciplinary artist who fearlessly deconstructs societal myths about female sexuality and childbirth through her multimedia work. She creates visual narratives that challenge traditional medical perspectives and celebrate the profound, often unexplored dimensions of women's embodied experiences. Tune in as Debra and Guta explore how women can deconstruct cultural fears, embrace self-stimulation, prepare mentally for birth, and transform labor into a powerful, orgasmic, and deeply connected experience.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 02:51 Facing Initial Fears  09:15 Into Labor and Delivery  14:22 Midwife and Doula Support 18:05 The Birth and Sexuality Connection 23:27 Navigating PostPartum and Parenting 25:16 Integrating Pleasure Before Birth     Resources: 

Orgasmic Birth Story Series   Ep 146 Description:  “Being in touch with your senses— that is the best preparation in the world. When we lean into pleasure in our everyday life, we teach our bodies that pleasure is safe.” —Lovisa Dahl   Every woman's birth story carries the potential to liberate generations from inherited trauma and shame. Yet, the continued silence around women's birthing experiences perpetuates a cycle of fear and disconnection from our most primal source of strength. Lovisa Dahl is a pioneering Orgasmic Birth Practitioner and TEDx speaker who has revolutionized the conversation around childbirth through her Love Birth Method. As a mother of three and an international mentor, she guides women to experience birth as a powerful, pleasurable rite of passage. Tune in as Debra and Lovisa explore breaking taboos around orgasmic birth, overcoming societal shame, practical techniques for pleasure-centered birthing, and how women can reclaim their sexual power through transformative birth experiences.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 03:07 Lovisa's Journey to Orgasmic Birth  11:40 Overcoming Shame  16:08 Practical Tips for Preparing for an Orgasmic Birth  22:01 Empowering Women to Embrace Orgasmic Birth     Resources: 

Ep 145 Description:  “Birth has the potential to take us into places where we can really understand who we are in a very deep level." —Robyn Sheldon   Every woman carries within her the potential to experience birth as a deeply empowering, mystical journey of love and consciousness. Therefore, the path to an orgasmic birth lies not in technique but in surrendering to the universal wisdom that flows through our bodies beyond physical boundaries. This week, we are joined by Robyn Sheldon, a compassionate guide and author specializing in soul integration and birth transformation. With over 30 years of experience, she helps parents connect deeply with their unborn children and embrace the sacred journey of birth. Tune in as Debra and Robyn explore the intricate connections between spirituality, sexuality, earth wisdom, soul integration, transcendent birthing experiences, and the profound power of connecting with one's unborn child through intuitive and transformative practices.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 03:10 Meet Robyn: Finding Deeper Soul Presence in Birth 08:25 Connecting to the Unborn  11:54 Merging Sexuality and Spirituality in Birth 17:33 Connecting with Mother Earth  20:27 Connect with Robyn     Resources: 

Ep 144 Description:  “Your experience and birth is more important than someone else's judgments.” —MJ Renshaw   We've been taught that pleasure is an indulgence, not a necessity. But what if accessing desire is the secret to profound healing during childbirth? It's time to unlearn the shame and prioritize our needs. As the creator of The Being Method, MJ Renshaw is a mama on a mission to revolutionize the way we approach pleasure and birth. Her own journey of using self-care practices to facilitate an empowering childbirth has motivated her to support others in releasing shame and embracing desire. Tune in as Debra and MJ dive into releasing shame, the healing power of self-pleasure in childbirth, creating a pleasurable birth environment, the role of the partner, and the impact on postpartum intimacy.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 02:01 MJ's First Birth 04:37 Second Birth and Pleasure as a Healing Tool 07:24 The Role of Self-Pleasure in Birth  18:25 Releasing Shame and Embracing Pleasure 20:03 Postpartum and Intimacy  23:01 Tips for Embracing Pleasure     Resources: 

Ep 143 Description:  “Get yourself love high, as high as you can! Try and focus on getting you all loved up because then you're going to get triggered less when you have a child.” —Tamra Mercieca    The pelvic floor is the unsung hero of the female body - a complex network of muscles that play a pivotal role in pregnancy, childbirth, and overall well-being. Yet, for too long, this intimate area has been shrouded in shame and disconnection. Yoga for the vagina offers a powerful antidote, helping women cultivate a deeper awareness and relationship with the pelvis. By releasing tension and fear, this practice unlocks greater ease, pleasure, and power during life's most transformative experiences. Tamra Mercieca is a women's health expert who has dedicated over 20 years to helping women reclaim their power and fall in love with themselves. As the host of the "I Love Me with Tamra Mercieca" podcast and the founder of the "Getting Naked" online school, Tamra shares transformative practices for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Debra and Tamra explore how releasing fear, cultivating self-love, and using intentional practices can make birth a more easeful and empowering experience, while also revealing opportunities for personal growth through the parenting journey.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 02:43 Tamra on Pregnancy and Birth 07:13 Overcoming Fears and Building Confidence  11:36 Yoga for the Vagina and Pelvic Health    15:23 The Power of Words and Mantras  19:22 Self-Love and Personal Growth During Pregnancy and Birth     Resources: 

Ep 142 Description:  “Healing begins as you start honoring every aspect of your birth story and celebrate your wins. No one fails in birth. Sometimes, you have to dig deeper into that well of strength than you ever would have imagined prior. This is something to take pride in.” —Debra Pascali-Bonaro   The notion that hospitals inherently rob birthing individuals of their autonomy and joy is a limiting belief that deserves to be challenged. The reality is that, with the right mindset and preparation, a hospital birth can also be a deeply empowering and transformative experience. Explore the powerful intersection between pleasure and hospital birth as Debra shares tips on preparing for the big day, setting the mood for your birth room, advocating for your needs, coping with labor sensations, and welcoming your baby with grace and power.    Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 01:53Tip #1- Preparing for the Big Day! 12:21 Tip #2- Setting the Mood for Your Birth Room 14:56 Tip #3- Advocating for Your Needs 17:58 Tip #4- Coping with Labor Sensations 22:01 Tip #5- Welcoming Your Baby   Resources: 

Ep 141 Description:  “You are the expert on you. So trust your own expertise when you bring that to the conversation. Don't let anybody talk you out of your own expertise.” —Dr. Nicole Rankins   Your voice matters in the birth room!  Too often, women's preferences and concerns are overlooked or dismissed during hospital births. But we can reclaim our power by understanding the foundation for a positive, empowered birth experience.  Dr. Nicole Rankins is a Board Certified OB GYN, maternal health advocate, and creator of one of the top 0.5% global podcasts on pregnancy and birth, with over 2.6 million downloads. Her expertise and accessible approach have empowered thousands of women to approach birth with confidence. Tune in as Debra and Dr. Nicole discuss the must-knows of childbirth education, preparing for birth without overwhelm, creating birth plans that actually work, and expert advice for an empowered hospital birth experience.   Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471    Episode Highlights: 03:32 First Birth: A Traumatic C-Section 07:59 The Importance of Childbirth Education  10:17 Green Flags, Red Flags 16:22 Birth Plans and Preferences    21:40 Informed Decision-Making in Labor 24:47 Creating a Joyful Birth Experience     Resources: 

Ep 140 Description:  “To use affirmation, first, you have to be very honest with yourself.” —Bettina Zagoni   Our inner dialogue shapes our experiences, our relationships, and even our physical well-being before, during, and after birth. It can help cultivate a mindset of empowerment, resilience, and self-compassion— qualities that are invaluable during such a transformative time. By bringing awareness to our inner dialogue and intentionally reframing it, we have the power to reshape our experiences and create more positive outcomes for ourselves and our families. Bettina "Tina" Zagoni is a perinatal consultant, doula, and creator of the transformative Modern Goddess affirmation card decks. Her mission is to make these tools accessible to women worldwide, empowering them through the journey of motherhood. Tune in as Debra and Bettina discuss the profound impact of affirmations on pregnancy, birth, and parenting, Tina's personal journey of rewriting her birth narrative through the power of self-talk, her creation of the Modern Goddess affirmation cards, and her mission to make these empowering tools accessible to women worldwide, including introducing them into hospitals across Hungary.   Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471    Episode Highlights: 01:25 Meet Bettina 07:27 Bettina's Affirmations During Pregnancy 18:06 The Impact of Affirmations 22:32 Introducing Affirmation Cards in Hospitals  32:04 Expanding Affirmation Cards to International Markets  36:17 The Power of Affirmations in Creating a Positive Birth Story   Resources: 

Ep 139 Description:  “This is your birth. You get to make the choices around that. We are the experts of our internal direct experience, and we should honor that.” —Bec Conant   The pelvic floor holds the key to unlocking a transformative birth experience. This intricate muscle group is often shrouded in mystery, yet its role in labor and delivery is undeniable. Discover the surprising ways the pelvic floor can profoundly impact the birthing journey. Bec Conant is a respected prenatal yoga expert with over 25 years of experience. Her personal birth journey inspired a profound shift in her teaching, leading to a holistic approach that bridges movement, anatomy, and the pelvic floor. Tune in as Debra and Bec share eye-opening insights on the powerful connection between the pelvic floor, the psoas muscle, and the birthing process, offering practical tips to prepare the body for an empowered labor and delivery.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 02:28 Meet Bec 09:56 Bec's Birth Experience 11:30 Understanding the Psoas Muscle 19:17 Integrating New Knowledge Into Teaching  27:22 Practical Tips for Prenatal Yoga 31:33 The OM Birth Approach   Resources: 

Ep 138 Description:  An investment in yourself as an investment in the people around you and your children.” —Lacy Woods   Maternal health and wellness are essential for a happy and healthy family. Yet, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum can deeply influence a mother's long-term well-being. And so, prioritizing holistic care and support during these times is key to fostering resilience and joy. Lacy Woods is a passionate perinatal and pelvic health occupational therapist. She founded Maternal Milestones and specializes in pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise. Discover the impact of maternal health occupational therapy, the importance of support systems for mothers, and Lacy's inspiring journey and professional insights.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 02:47 Navigating Unmedicated Hospital Birth 07:26 Navigating Labor and Delivery: Induction and Epidural  11:27 Second Pregnancy and Postpartum Reflections 18:35 Coping with Loss 23:26 Emotional and Physical Challenges of Birth 29:42 Postpartum Bliss and Professional Impact 32:27 Turning Into the Body and Relaxation Techniques 34:42 The Importance of Self-Care and Support       Are you an expectant parent or doula or birth provider? We have a special FREE gift for you! Visit OrgasmicBirth.com/More to learn more!”   Introducing The Movie That's Changing How We

Ep 137 Description: “Birth matters not just for that day, not just for the baby, not just for your health, but birth matters for how you live your entire life.” —Aly McClain   The myth of the "small pelvis" has long been used to limit birth options and define a woman's experience. But what if this diagnosis didn't have to determine your path?  Aly McCLain is a dedicated advocate for empowering first-time home birth mothers. As a registered nurse, home birth coach, and host of the Peaceful Home Birth podcast, Aly combines her passion for holistic health, mindset techniques, and practical wisdom to guide expectant mothers through every step of their journey to a peaceful and empowering birth. Tune in as Aly shares her powerful journey from a challenging diagnosis to an orgasmic birth, exploring how birth trauma can shape motherhood and the importance of intentionality in creating a truly transformative birth experience.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 02:48 “Small Pelvis”  10:30 Impact of Medicalized Birth 14:29 Deciding on Home Birth 20:26 Challenges and Decisions During Second Pregnancy 26:24 The Power of Rewiring and Empowerment  31:35 Helpful Resources    Are you an expectant parent or doula or birth provider? We have a special FREE gift for you! Visit OrgasmicBirth.com/More to learn more!”   Introducing The Movie That's Changing How We  

Ep 136 Description:  “I learned that pleasure was my greatest power.” —Britt Fohrman   Pleasure is not just a fleeting indulgence, but a profound pathway to self-discovery and transformation. When we embrace pleasure as a guiding force, we unlock the ability to heal, grow, and live more authentically.  Britt Fohrman is a doula, embodiment coach, yoga teacher, and birth educator with over two decades of experience. Drawing from deep practices in Buddhism, hypnosis, tantra, and shamanic traditions, Britt guides her clients to live a life aligned with their desires, intuition, and authentic values. Tune in as Britt shares her remarkable journey of resilience, courage, and self-discovery, exploring grief, conception, and the power of pleasure in the face of adversity.   Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471    Episode Highlights: 03:39 Britt's Journey From Loss to New Life 07:09 Healing and Pleasure in Pregnancy  14:56 Challenges and Birth Experience  15:25 Post-Birth Reflections    Are you an expectant parent or doula or birth provider? We have a special FREE gift for you! Visit OrgasmicBirth.com/More to learn more!”     About Britt:  As an embodiment teacher, coach, birth educator, and photographer for over two decades, Britt Fohrman helps people cultivate embodiment and expand pleasure through coaching, yoga, meditation, breathwork, somatic practice,  and mindfulness.  Her practice is based on over 2 decades of experience in holding space for women standing at the threshold of life's most profound transitions: becoming a mother, healing from illness, injury or loss, stepping into sexual power and opening to new beginnings.  Britt holds a loving space for you to feel deeper into your body, allowing whatever is needed to be felt to come through, liberating you into living a life led by your desires, inner knowing and authentic values.   Website: https://www.brittfohrman.com   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejuicyladies    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrittFohrmanDoula/     

Ep 135 Description:  “Every birth is unique, so pleasure might look different for you than it does for someone else. The goal isn't to force a specific experience but to open yourself to the possibilities you.” —Debra Pascali-Bonaro   Birth and sex— two deeply intertwined experiences that hold the power to transform lives. Embracing their connection unlocks a world of possibilities, from joyful labors to empowered deliveries. Yet, the taboos surrounding this bond often leave us disconnected from our innate abilities to birth with pleasure. Hence, this episode aims to unpack the profound links between birth and sex, exploring the role of hormones, the significance of sexual organs, and the transformative potential of incorporating pleasure into the birthing journey.  Tune in as Debra invites us to rewrite the narrative of childbirth!  Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 02:28 The Role of Hormones in Birth and Sex 06:31 The Role of Sexual Organs in Birth  09:43 Bringing Pleasure into Birth 14:54 Understanding Orgasmic Birth 17:38 Advocating for a Positive Birth Experience 19:37 Rewrite the Narrative of Birth!   Are you an expectant parent or doula or birth provider? We have a special FREE gift for you! Visit OrgasmicBirth.com/More to learn more!”   Introducing The Movie That's Changing How We   About Debra: Debra Pascali-Bonaro is a world-renowned inspirational speaker, filmmaker, doula trainer, childbirth educator, and author. Debra's latest book, an Amazon #1 New Release, The Ultimate Guide to Sex After Baby: Secrets to Love and Intimacy brings together her passion for pleasure in every aspect of life with her Jersey-Girl attitude of talking about what no one is talking about! Debra is a mother, grandmother, and featured expert in parenting journals and media around the world. Debra Pascali-Bonaro is also Co-Chair of the International Childbirth Initiative and Chair of the International MotherBaby Childbirth Initiative both of which promote safe, respectful childbirth maternity care. She is a Lamaze International childbirth educator, birth and postpartum doula trainer with DONA International, Director of the award-winning documentary Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret, co-writer of “Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying and Pleasurable Birth” and the Founder & President of the revolutionary online childbirth class Pain to Power, which prepares expectant mothers, fathers, and partners to be positively prepared for birth and focuses on the intimate and sacred nature of birth. Debra's passion comes from her over 30 years of working with women, men, midwives, doulas, physicians, and nurses in over 40 countries bringing comfort, love, and pleasure to birth and life! Debra Pascali Bonaro has been featured on ABC's 20/20, Good Morning Russia, The NBC Today Show, Discovery Health, in The New York Times, The LA Times, and The UK Times as well as numerous Parenting and Health Magazines around the world.    

Ep 134 Description:  “The more stories I heard of [birth] trauma, the more angry I became and I wanted to do something.” —Amanda Banks   Home birth is a powerful, intimate experience that challenges societal norms and reclaims the natural rhythms of childbirth. For many families, it represents a deeply empowering choice that honors the body's innate wisdom. Yet, misconceptions and lack of education often prevent parents from considering this option. Amanda Banks, an Australian health professional and documentary filmmaker, is on a mission to change that narrative. Her acclaimed film "Born at Home" explores the meaning, challenges, and magic of bringing life into the world outside the hospital setting. Tune in as Amanda shares her personal home birth journey, the inspiration behind her film, and the vital role of education and advocacy in transforming the birth experience.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 04:22 Amanda's First Home Birth Experience  11:32 Second Home Birth and Advocacy Journey 26:39 Creating the “Born at Home” Documentary 32:53 Overcoming Obstacles  36:58 A Focus in Education and Intuition   Are you an expectant parent or doula or birth provider? We have a special FREE gift for you! Visit OrgasmicBirth.com/More to learn more!”   Introducing The Movie That's Changing How We   About Amanda:  Amanda Banks is an Australian documentary filmmaker and health professional based in Brisbane. She is the producer of the acclaimed documentary "Born at Home," which explores the meaning, challenges, and magic of bringing life into the world at home.  With a background in health science, Amanda has a deep trust in the body's natural physiological processes. Her own experiences with home births, including the birth of her two children, inspired her to create "Born at Home" as a way to share the positive aspects of home birth and provide evidence-based information to help families make informed decisions about their birth choices. In addition to her filmmaking work, Amanda is an advocate for maternal health and home birth. She has been involved with the non-profit organization Home Birth Queensland, where she has helped organize educational events and support for families. Amanda's passion for advocacy and education shines through in her commitment to empowering parents and transforming the birth experience.   Website: https://bornathomefilm.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bornathomefilm/       

Ep 133 Description:  “There are two layers of spinning babies, it is restoring function to the body whether through pregnancy exercises or through body balancing techniques, which a pregnant person can do themselves or the nurse, midwife, or doula at the time of labor can also do it. And the more you do ahead of time, the less you need to do anything at labor.” —Gail Tully   Fetal position is a crucial yet often overlooked factor in the birthing process. Understanding how a baby's orientation within the uterus can impact labor and delivery is key to facilitating a more comfortable and empowered birth experience.   Gail Tully, the visionary founder of Spinning Babies®, has dedicated her life's work to revolutionizing the way we approach childbirth. As a midwife and birth advocate, Gail's groundbreaking techniques have transformed the lives of countless families, empowering them to embrace the natural rhythms of the body. Tune in as Gail shares her personal journey, the development of the Spinning Babies approach, fetal rotation, maternal positioning, and the importance of accessibility in birth education.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 03:48 Meet Gail 06:55 Empowerment Through Natural Birth 18:26 Challenges and Discoveries in Childbirth 23:09 The Development of Spinning Babies  30:20 Impact and Accessibility of Spinning Babies 34:40 Trainings and Certifications 37:15 Meeting the Evolving Needs of the Birth Community   Are you an expectant parent or doula or birth provider? We have a special FREE gift for you! Visit OrgasmicBirth.com/More to learn more!”   Introducing The Movie That's Changing How We   About Gail:  Gail Tully is the midwife who conceived and developed Spinning Babies®. Spinning Babies® went online in 2001. Over 40 years with birth including 20 years as a homebirth midwife, Gail now writes, teaches, and supports change in the birth paradigm. Back in the day, Gail was kept busy organizing doula program development in hospitals and community non-profits in Minneapolis/St. Paul while training doulas with DONA International approval status. Gail Tully developed the concepts and curriculum that revolutionized our view on the physiological breech. Spinning Babies®, Belly Mapping®, Belly Mapping MethodTM, Resolving Shoulder Dystocia*, and Breech Basics* are Gail Tully originals.     Website: https://www.spinningbabies.com     Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spinningbabies   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spinningbabies  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/spinningbabieslady   X: https://twitter.com/spinningbabies

Ep 132 Description:  “Giving birth is like dying away from all your past, and you'll become a new person that is going to have a lot of new skills. When you close, you give yourself the moment to realize that you're a wise woman now that is becoming a mother.” —Alejandra Lozano Rituals and pleasure— two powerful elements that can transform the birth experience. In the second part of our interview with Alejandra Lozano, we dive deeper into the rituals and pleasure that can transform the birth experience.   Alejandra is a dedicated Mexican midwife with over 11 years of experience supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Her passion for honoring cultural wisdom and empowering women is evident in her work. Tune in as Alejandra shares insights on rebozo, sobada, postpartum closing rituals, and practical tips to cultivate pleasure throughout the childbearing journey.   Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 03:00 Exploring Rebozo: Its Use and Benefits 07:56 The Role  Rituals in Mexican Midwifery 13:37 Practical Tips for Preparing for a Pleasurable Birth 18:46 Join the Orgasmic Birth Program   About Alejandra:  Alejandra Lozano, is a dedicated Mexican Midwife with over 11 years of experience walking the sacred path of supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Alejandra's journey into midwifery began with the birth of her son, Mariano— born at home, in water, and surrounded by midwives. That transformative experience awakened a calling in her heart to walk this path. Her first mentor, her midwife, guided her initial steps. But Alejandra's thirst for deeper knowledge took her south, where she immersed herself in traditional Mexican midwifery. There, she connected with midwives who taught her ancestral practices such as Sobada (healing massages), Rebozo techniques, herbal medicine, temazcales, and sacred rituals. Each practice, rooted in love and community, shaped the way Alejandra now walks with women. Today, Alejandra combines this ancestral wisdom with her intuition, creating a space of trust, compassion, and connection for the women she serves. She doesn't consider herself a traditional midwife in the strictest sense—having been born in the city—but her spirit is deeply tied to the roots of our traditions. She continues to travel and learn, bridging the gap between modernity and ancestral wisdom, offering her gifts with reverence for the lineage of birth.  In addition, Alejandra is a special friend and our Orgasmic Birth social media Creatrix. She reaches the wisdom of the rebozo in all our doula workshops and is one of our Orgasmic Birth Pracitioners.  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alepartera/   

Ep 130 Description:  “Rituals are related to pleasure.” —Alejandra Lozano   Rituals have the power to transform the childbirth experience, unlocking deeper layers of intimacy, pleasure, and connection. The journey from pregnancy to postpartum can become a profound rite of passage by honoring ancestral wisdom and incorporating sacred practices. In this episode, we explore how these time-honored traditions can reshape the way we approach one of life's most transformative events. Alejandra Lozano is a dedicated Mexican midwife with over 11 years of experience walking the sacred path of supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Her own transformative home water birth ignited a deep calling to immerse herself in the richness of traditional Mexican midwifery practices. Tune in as Debra and Alejandra discuss the integration of ancestral rituals in childbirth and postpartum care, exploring the power of practices like Sobada, Herbal Baths, and Rebozo to foster intimacy, connection, and a holistic approach to this life-changing experience.   Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 04:15 Alejandra's Birth Experiences 11:12 Post-Birth Transformation 15:04 Connecting with Midwives 18:02 Integrating Rituals into Prenatal Care and Birth 24:44 Supporting Women in Labor with Sobada 28:42 The Role of Touch in Midwifery    

Ep 130 Description:  “Maternity care is everybody's business, acknowledging the deep need for improvement and making sure that people have something concrete and specific based on where they are and their own journey as a consumer of maternity care.” —Jill Wodnick   Maternal health is a global issue that impacts families worldwide. Equitable access to quality care and the right to safe, respectful birth experiences are fundamental human rights. Yet too many mothers continue to face disparities, trauma, and preventable complications.  Jill Wodnick is a Lamaze childbirth educator, doula, and maternal health policy expert dedicated to advancing respectful, evidence-based maternity care. She serves on national advisory councils and provides technical assistance to community organizations. Tune in as Jill shares the powerful history and legacy of the 123forMOMS movement, the complex role of doulas and Medicaid reimbursement, as well as strategies for advocating for quality indicators and respectful care during pregnancy and childbirth, and more.      Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 03:22 Meet Jill- Professional Birth Advocate  08:34 123forMOMS 13:15 Expanding 123forMOMS 20:36 Advocating for Quality Maternity Care  27:34 The Forgotten Chakra   Links Mentioned: 

Ep 129 Description:  “Your risk factor is what door you enter, your place of birth, and your provider are going to make a significant impact on the type of birth that you will experience.” —Debra Pascali-Bonaro Every pregnancy comes with decisions that hold more weight than we realize. These choices can influence both short-term outcomes and long-term well-being in surprising ways. Preparing for birth means exploring how various factors align with your personal values and needs so that you can create a safe and empowering birth journey. Discover how birth location (hospital, birth center, or home) and your choice of care providers (obstetricians, midwives, and doulas) impact intervention rates, emotional support, and overall birth outcomes—plus key questions to ask when planning your birth.   Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 01:46 Location: Hospitals 05:31 Location: Birth Centers 09:14 Location: Home Birth 11:50 Birth Team: Obstetricians 14:21 Birth Team: Midwives   17:17 Birth Team: Doulas 21:30 Key Questions to Ask  

Ep 128 Description:  “I underestimated myself for a long time, and the birth of my children allowed me to own the power that resides in every woman.”  —Amberlee Jay Galea    Crafting your birth story with intention can be a powerful act of self-discovery and empowerment. By embracing the complexities and vulnerabilities of this transformative experience, you unlock a deeper understanding of your own strength and resilience.  In the second part of her interview, Amberlee Jay Galea shares her inspiring journey to motherhood, overcoming personal challenges, and creating an orgasmic birth experience. As a mother of three, Amberlee's story offers a unique perspective on the transformative power of pregnancy and childbirth. Tune in as Amberlee delves into her third pregnancy, her unique way of preparing for an orgasmic birth, and the profound impact of sharing her birth stories with her children.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 01:36 A Journey Into Motherhood 05:06 Amberlee's Third Pregnancy 08:11 Preparing for an Orgasmic Birth  17:06 The Importance of Letting Go 21:52 Be Proud of Yourself, Mother!   

Ep 127 Description:  “The hospital can be very disempowering. It stops us from going into the role of mother because we seek outside ourselves what they believe is true, yet our body, our innate knowing, knows what's right.” —Amberlee Jay Galea    Pregnancy and birth are often shrouded in fear and misconceptions. Many women grow up hearing horror stories about childbirth, leading to a deep-seated anxiety about the process. However, the human body is designed to birth with power and pleasure, if we can overcome the societal taboos surrounding this natural experience. Amberlee Jay Galea is a Neuro-Linguistic Programming Master Practitioner and authentic personal brand coach who has rewritten her own birth story, embracing the innate power within her. Tune in to the first part of the interview with Amberlee as she shares her transformative journey from a disempowered first birth to an orgasmic home birth, where she discovered the pleasure and joy of welcoming her daughter into the world.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 03:15 Why Fear Surrounds Pregnancy and Amberlee's First Pregnancy 15:12 Discovering NLP  20:15 Preparing for Own Vision of a Home Birth 25:20 EnCaul Birth: Waiting for the Perfect Moment  29:54 Post-Birth Reflections  

Ep 126 Description:  “Being able to defend the space that we wanted was really powerful.” —Gowan Batist    Families come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique needs and preferences when it comes to childbirth. From the comfort of a hospital setting to the intimacy of a home birth, the journey to welcoming a new life is a deeply personal one. Regardless of the path chosen, each journey is unique and deserves to be honored. Gowan Batist is a queer Jewish parent, partner, and writer living in the remote wilderness of Northern California. As a passionate advocate for mountain lions and heritage breed sheep, Gowan's lyrical non-fiction essays and birth story inspire others to trust the natural process of childbirth. Tune in as Gowan discusses navigating rural healthcare as a queer family, creating a supportive birth environment, preparing for labor, the transformative experience of childbirth, and the arrival of their child.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 02:06 Navigating Rural Healthcare as a Queer Family 05:54 Creating a Supportive Birth Environment  09:37 Preparing for Birth 13:12 The Experience of Labor  25:01 Making Decisions at Childbirth 29:14 The Importance of Healthcare Systems That Support Families   

Ep 125 Description:  “When you feel empowered to make choices about your birth, even if things don't go as planned, you will remain more positively connected to the experience of your body and your baby. Keep your power so your voice and choice are heard.” —Debra Pascali-Bonaro     The concept of risk in childbirth is highly subjective, varying greatly among different healthcare providers and settings. What one caregiver deems as high-risk, another may consider a normal variation. The location of birth can also significantly impact the perceived level of risk, with stark differences in intervention rates between hospitals and home births.  Hence, in this week's episode, we are going to explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of risk in childbirth.  Tune in as Debra talks about the historical shift from birth as a sacred, communal experience to a medicalized event, the impact of language and fear on the birth process, and practical tips for creating a more positive, pleasurable, and empowering birth journey. Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 01:19 Understanding Risk in Childbirth 03:45 Impact of Language and Perception of Risk 07:29 The Role of Stress and Fear in Childbirth 08:43 Empowering Birth Through Knowledge and Support 10:35 Birth is Powerful, And So Are You  

Ep 124 Description:  “It's empowering that you're in it, and you're doing it. And then it's scary because you don't know how long this will go, but I'm trusting. And the answer I got from the connection was to breathe and surrender.” —Jasmin Jess   Birth can be an intense, transformative experience that challenges both the body and mind. But the secret to navigating this profound journey may lie in the power of theta brain waves. By accessing this meditative state, mothers can surrender to the sensations of labor and embrace the experience with a deep sense of connection and trust. Jasmin Jess is a holistic health expert from Germany who discovered her passion for Ayurveda after studying international business and traveling extensively. As the co-founder of the renowned wellness brand Prana Up Your Life, Jasmin's inspiring water birth story, guided by theta brain waves, offers a powerful testament to the transformative potential of pregnancy and childbirth. Tune in to discover Jasmin's holistic approach to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, including her use of theta meditation, overcoming miscarriage, and building a supportive community.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 01:25 Meet Jasmin 10:38 Connecting with Theta Brain Waves 13:43 Labor and Water Birth Experience  29:05 Surrendering and Managing Pain 30:07 The Importance of Preparing for Postpartum  

Ep 123 Description:  “I don't have a birth plan. I have a birth attitude. I'm not going to get myself into a state of panic, and I'm never going to doubt that I can do this.” —Angie Tiwari   An "En Caul" birth is an incredibly rare occurrence, happening in only about 1 in 80,000 deliveries. But when it does happen, it can be a truly transformative and "orgasmic" experience for the birthing mother. Imagine delivering your baby still safely encased in the intact amniotic sac— a powerful, meditative moment of awe and wonder. Angie Tiwari is a yoga, meditation, and breathwork coach who is passionate about empowering women to have positive, pleasurable birth experiences. As the founder of Unearthed Retreats and an online yoga studio, she shares her expertise to help others tap into their inner strength and wisdom. From the importance of knowledge and understanding medical terminology to the transformative power of affirmations and visualization, Angie's birth story is full of invaluable insights. Learn how she used yoga, meditation, and breathwork to prepare for an empowered, "orgasmic" birth experience. Discover the crucial role her husband's unwavering support played, and hear Angie's advice on advocating for your preferences in a medical setting.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 03:26 Pregnancy Journey and Initial Preparation 08:06 Visualization and Breathwork  18:24 Transition to the Birth Center 23:49 Final Stages of Labor and Birth 32:28 Postpartum Reflections 38:18 How to Connect with Angie  

Ep 122 Description:  “Have that quality time together because you have to depend on this person and stay connected so you don't feel alone. Don't stop date night.” —Tarah Kerwin  Parenthood brings joy, challenges, and a shift in the dynamics of your relationship. Join Tarah Kerwin, relationship expert and advocate for thriving partnerships, as she shares practical strategies to deepen your emotional and physical bond with your partner after welcoming a baby. In this heartfelt episode, Tarah explores the impact of parenthood on intimacy, communication, and connection, offering actionable advice to rekindle passion, strengthen trust, and navigate the beautiful yet complex journey of life as new parents. Tune in for empowering insights, relatable stories, and tools to help you and your partner grow closer than ever, even amidst sleepless nights and diaper changes. The transition to parenthood can put even the strongest relationships to the test. With the demands of a new baby, it's all too easy for couples to drift apart, losing the intimacy and connection that once came so naturally. But it doesn't have to be that way— with the right strategies and mindset, you can deepen your bond and emerge from this chapter closer than ever. Tarah Kerwin is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the co-founder of the Relationship Renovation Counseling Center. Alongside her husband EJ, she's on a mission to help couples navigate the challenges of new parenthood and rediscover the love that brought them together. In this episode, Tarah shares her personal birth story, and tips for building support systems, maintaining intimacy, preparing for parenthood, and turning personal struggles into professional expertise. Tune in to learn how you can safeguard your relationship through this transformative time. #strengtheningpostbabybond, #deepemotionalconnection, #physicalintimacyafterbaby, #tarahkerwinrelationshiptips, #postpartumrelationshipadvice, #parentingandpartnerconnection, #rekindlingromanceafterbaby, #balancingparenthoodandlove, #deepenyourrelationshippostpartum, #parenthoodandemotionalbond, #navigatingloveafterbaby, #strengthenyourmarriageafterbirth, #reconnectwithyourpartnerpostbaby, #parentingandcouplegoals, #buildingintimacyasnewparents   Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 03:10 An Emotional Moment 10:49 Navigating the First Year with Twins 16:32 Building a Counseling Practice 20:51 Maintaining Intimacy and Connection After Pregnancy 27:12 Preparing for Parenthood 30:07 Resources for Couples  

Ep 121 Description:  “If we mentally prepare ourselves for even the unknown and not think we know everything, that's the first step into just being okay with any direction that happens.” —Rachael Van Schoick   Maintaining a balanced body and pelvic health is crucial for a positive pregnancy and birth experience. Proper alignment, mobility, and pelvic floor awareness can help facilitate an easier labor and postpartum recovery. Integrating holistic wellness practices throughout the childbearing year can empower women to embrace this transformative journey with confidence. This week, we are joined by Rachael Van Schoick. Rachael is a dedicated mother, a passionate advocate for holistic wellness, and a certified birth doula and licensed massage therapist. Drawing on her background in osteopathy, Rachel offers personalized care to expectant and new mothers, helping them achieve physical and emotional balance. In this episode, Rachael shares the challenges she faced during and after pregnancy and how her healing journey inspired her to become a doula. Listen in as Debra and Rachael discuss the "balanced system" approach to birth and pregnancy, the importance of postpartum care and healing, Rachael's programs that support new mothers in reconnecting with their bodies, and more.      Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 02:31 Rachel's First Birth 07:56 Rachel's Second Birth 12:55 Emotional and Physical Healing Journey Postpartum 16:55 Pelvic Floor Therapy 21:33 Becoming a Doula 24:24 Balance Approach to Pregnancy and Birth Preparation 30:36 Rachel's Postpartum Program    

Ep 120 Description:  “When you know what you stand for, then you can know what you don't stand for, and you can start to make those boundaries to be more on a rested path than off a rested path.” —Karen Brody   Rest is not merely a luxury, but a vital necessity for our well-being. When we prioritize rest, we open ourselves up to profound personal growth and the possibility of profound transformation. Discover how the power of rest can unlock new levels of resilience, creativity, and connection within ourselves in this week's episode. Karen Brody is the author of the acclaimed book "Daring to Rest" and the founder of the  Daring to Rest method, a groundbreaking approach that has empowered thousands of women to reclaim their power through the practice of yoga Nidra meditation. As a respected voice in the realm of maternal wellness, Brody's insights and expertise have inspired a global community to prioritize rest and self-care. Listen in as Karen shares her transformative birth experiences, her journey from community organizer to playwright, the importance of rest in postpartum recovery and everyday life, what yoga Nidra is and its benefits, and her free monthly "Yes to Rest" gatherings and a 40-day daring to rest program to encourage women to prioritize rest for their well-being and that of their families.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 04:29 Meet Karen 10:36 Transition to Advocacy 17:31 The Role of Rest and Yoga Nidra 29:54 Tips for Practicing Yoga Nidra 33:21 DARE to Rest  

Ep 119 Description:  “As a doula, the work always starts within. Follow the seeds of curiosity.” —Tessa Catto   Labor induction is a common medical intervention, but it doesn't have to mean the loss of your birth dreams. With the right mindset and support, induction can be an empowering experience that allows you to take an active role in your child's arrival. Navigating induction requires understanding your options and making informed choices to align with your birth preferences.   Tessa Catto is a birth doula, orgasmic birth practitioner, and artist who brings a holistic, empowered approach to supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. Drawing on her own transformative experience with an induction of labor, Tessa offers invaluable insights on maintaining control and finding pleasure, even when birth doesn't unfold as originally planned.   Tune in to gain valuable perspectives about empowered induction, using art and creativity to support women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and the role of pleasure and self-trust in the transformative experiences of motherhood.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 06:50 Navigating Induction and Making Empowered Choices 13:35 Lessons Learned and Becoming a Doula 19:19 Tips for Pregnant and Postpartum Women 22:09 Exploring Your Own Pleasure  

Ep 118 Description:  “This [orgasmic birth] is not a luxury. It is a necessity, and it is your right to claim for it.” —Mahika Irina Giving birth is not a solitary experience— it is a sacred rite of passage that women have traditionally shared with a community of support. Far from a luxury, this communal approach to childbirth is a necessity for women to reclaim the pleasure, power, and joy inherent in the birthing process. Mahika's journey is a testament to the transformative potential of an empowered birth experience. After welcoming her daughter with the guidance of a doula, Mahika felt inspired to become a passionate birth worker herself, dedicated to empowering other women on their path to motherhood. In this episode, Mahika shares her journey from a birth mom to a birth doula, how she created an orgasmic birth for herself, the role of tapping into the innate wisdom of the female body, the power of finding a supportive community, tips on preparing for a pleasurable orgasmic birth, plus much more.    Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 03:15 Discovering Orgasmic Birth   10:56 Orgasmic Birth is a REAL Experience 13:26 Channeling the Orgasmic Sounds and the Power of Intention 20:17 The Most Powerful Moment 22:47 From Birth to Birth Doula 27:48 Preparing for an Orgasmic Birth: Tips and Strategies  31:45 How Mahika Can Help You   

Ep 117 Description:  “This is rEvolutionary, small r, Big E. It's time that we break down the barriers, challenge the status quo, and empower everyone that works in birth and families as well to embrace the power of pleasure in birth.” —Debra Pascali-Bonaro   The way we approach childbirth is undergoing a profound shift. Gone are the days of solely focusing on pain and fear. Instead, a revolutionary movement is emerging that celebrates the potential for pleasure, intimacy, and joy during this transformative experience. Tune in to this week's episode and uncover the groundbreaking research that supports the integration of pleasure into the birthing process and discover how honoring the body's natural hormonal rhythms can lead to safer, more empowering, and orgasmic births.   Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 00:40 Why Pleasure is Essential Every Day 05:01 Why I'm a Pioneer in This Work 06:24 My Upcoming Article: The Science, Hormones, and Sexuality in Childbirth 08:54 The Orgasmic Birth Practitioner Community: Building a Movement 10:37 Educating and Connecting Birth Practitioners 13:06 Staying Dedicated to the Mission  

Ep 116 Description:  “You will only save what you love.” —Angelika Rodler   Embracing the natural rhythms of the body and celebrating the power of our feminine side can lead to more fulfilling and empowered births. Therefore, reclaiming the joy and sensuality of childbirth is essential in transforming the way we approach this profound life event.    In this episode, Debra sits with Angelika Rodler, the head of the doulas of Austria and a passionate childbirth educator. She has dedicated her life to empowering women and advocating for a more holistic approach to pregnancy, birth, and parenting.   Tune in as Angelika shares her journey from experiencing her own births to becoming a prominent doula, childbirth educator, and breastfeeding advisor. Debra and Angelika also dive into the fascinating history of the clitoris and its role in childbirth, the importance of understanding our bodies to enhance both pleasure and power during birth, a unique approach to creating hand-crafted yonis, and how this exercise helps doulas and women alike to connect deeply with their anatomy and sexuality.     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 02:12 A Changed Woman After Birth 09:12 The World is Waiting for Doulas  15:11 Love Your Yonis 19:13 Talk to the Pussy 21:20 Clitoris and Pleasure in Birth and Life  

Ep 115 Description:  “The more satisfied you are, the less you are in the lack of anything. If we are in the lack, we manifest more lack. And if we are satisfied, then the beautiful things can come in.” —Amira Gorski   In our society, pleasure is often seen as frivolous or indulgent, something to be denied or delayed in pursuit of more "practical" goals. We're taught that hard work, sacrifice, and delayed gratification are the keys to success and abundance. But what if pleasure itself was the path to true prosperity?    Amira Gorski is a leading voice in the orgasmic birth and pleasure coaching movement. As the founder of Lustgeburt, she helps women and couples unlock the transformative power of pleasure to manifest abundance in all areas of their lives.   Tune in as Debra and Amira dive deep into how pleasure can be valuable not only in sexuality but also in other aspects of our lives, the transformative role of surrender in navigating the intense physical and emotional challenges, the need to break down blockages and trauma to create a more open and receptive energy, how to increase pleasure, and the intersection between pleasure and financial freedom.      Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 03:00  The Beauty of “Lust” 12:32 Experiencing Orgasmic Birth for the First Time 16:43 How Birth is Meant to Be 22:19  A Good Form of Preparation  27:25 Pleasure is a Huge Concept 32:47 Pleasure is Self-Love  

Ep 114 Description:  “We can't make birth better unless we understand what makes birth good.” —Dr. Elisabeth Bolaza    Pleasure is not just a nice-to-have in birth - it's a vital sign of a healthy, empowered experience. Yet for too long, our culture has suppressed and shamed the very idea of pleasure during one of life's most transformative moments.   However, the groundbreaking research of Dr. Elisabeth Balaza is changing that narrative. Dr. Elisabeth is a reproductive anthropologist and the Principal Investigator of The Birth Pleasure Study. As the founder of Sorada Research & Consulting, she is committed to disrupting the status quo and making her work on pleasure, sexuality, and reproductive justice useful to everyday birthing people and their families.   Join this week's conversation as Debra and Dr. Elisabeth share how prioritizing pleasure, joy, and bodily autonomy at birth can transform the maternity care system, why pleasure is a fundamental part of birth justice, the 5 different forms of pleasure, how the environment and support system around the birthing person greatly impacts their ability to access pleasure and physiologic birth, an important call-to-action for medical provider, and why developing a "birth pleasure management plan" can help birthing people feel empowered and in control.      Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 03:15 A Discussion About the Birthing Body 10:48 Reframing Our Thinking About Enjoyment and Pleasure  17:22 The Role of Providers   22:58 Focus on Feeling Good, Not Alleviating Bad 29:11 Trust Your Birthing Body  

Ep 113 Description:  “Anytime you're being pressured or coerced into something, you're not giving true informed consent, and that is a form in itself, of obstetric violence.” —Rebecca Dekker   Too often, pregnancy and birth are shrouded in fear, misinformation, and outdated practices not supported by research. Many people are told their bodies are incapable, their pain is inevitable, and their choices are limited. But this couldn't be further from the truth. By challenging outdated assumptions and accessing the latest, most reliable research, families can make informed decisions that honor their unique needs and preferences.    Rebecca Dekker is the founder and CEO of Evidence Based Birth® and the author of “Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!” As a nurse, researcher, and passionate advocate, she is dedicated to making the latest, most reliable research on childbirth freely and publicly accessible to empower families to make informed decisions about their care.   Join in as Debra and Rebecca demystify alternative birthing positions and their benefits and list five red flags that you might want to switch to a different provider for your birth, 3 tips for preparing for childbirth and reducing anxiety about childbirth, what to know before scheduling an elective labor induction.      Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 03:30 Birth Practices: Beneficial or Not 07:55 Watch Out for the Red Flags 15:13 Elective Labor Induction  18:44 Different Birthing Positions and Their Benefits  26:04 What Makes the Difference  

Ep 112 Description:   “It is our birthright. Birth is not this something to get through and suffer through.” —Rebecca Rivers Ellisor    Birth is a sacred, transformative journey that can unlock profound ecstasy and pleasure. This is birth as it was meant to be— a rite of passage infused with joy, wonder, and the electric thrill of new life entering the world.    Rebecca Rivers Ellisor is a passionate advocate for pleasurable, empowered childbirth experiences. As a quantum hypnotherapist, full-spectrum doula, and founder of Born in Ecstasy, she supports women in cultivating the optimal internal and external environment for ecstatic birth and a sacred, nourishing transition into parenthood.   This week, Debra and Rebecca discuss the power of preparation in building a deep bond between the mother and her baby during pregnancy, the value of community support in creating a sacred and nurturing birthing environment, the benefits of shifting fear to empowerment, and tips for balancing motherhood with self-care.      Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 04:02 Birth as a Peak Experience 09:04 Making Way for a New Being to Thrive  12:38 Positive Birth Despite an Unplanned Pregnancy  17:40 Who to Bring Into Your Birth Support Team  21:46 Meeting Your Baby Beyond Form 27:10 Loving the Whole Journey of Birth  30:04 Birth Deserves Our Care and Attention  

Ep 111 Description:  “We still plan our weddings; we still plan traveling, we know that they're not going to go according to plan, but we plan them. A birth plan is no different. It's what makes us feel most safe.” —Kerry Burke   We are the architects of a bold new narrative around childbirth— one that celebrates our innate power, reclaims our pleasure, and empowers us as active participants in this profound rite of passage. At Peace Birth and Wellness owner, Kerry Burke is a doula and childbirth educator who found empowerment in her own unmedicated birth experience, despite a history of anxiety and panic disorder. Drawing on her personal journey, Kerry now guides expectant families to have informed, autonomous, and fulfilling birth experiences.  Listen in as Debra and Kerry discuss how Kerry's history of anxiety and panic disorder served her in labor, what to do in between the sweet moments of labor, the importance of normalizing yourself to the process, Kerry's vision for changing societal views on birth, the factors that helped her surrender to the sensations, and her transformative experience becoming an Orgasmic Birth Practitioner.      Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 02:22 “My Body Can Do This!”  10:16 The 5-1-1 13:41 We are Active Participants of Our Birth Stories 18:44 What To Do During the Sweet Moments of Labor  20:13 Normalize Yourself with the Process  

Ep 110 Description:  “Not only do people deserve a safe birth and a respectful birth, but every person deserves a day that brings you joy.” —Debra Pascali-Bonaro Tragically, pleasure has long been a missing piece in the modern birthing experience. Too often, birthing people are made to feel that expressing or even acknowledging their sexual or pleasurable feelings during labor is taboo or inappropriate. This harmful mindset not only robs individuals of the profound joy and empowerment that can arise during birth but also contributes to a culture of disrespect and trauma surrounding one of life's most sacred events.  Therefore, this week's reflection is centered on the importance of reclaiming pleasure as a fundamental aspect of the birthing experience. Tune in as Debra shares her passionate insights on challenging the societal taboos around sexuality and sensuality in birth and her vision for a radical transformation of maternity care that prioritizes the holistic well-being of birthing individuals. Plus, discover resources that can help you celebrate your body, your baby, and your birth.  Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 02:32 Doula Skills are Life Skills  06:09 Peaceful Birth, Peaceful World  10:01 The Problem with the Current Birthing Model  14:50 What Can Harm You 18:18 Stay Tuned for Exciting Updates!  

Ep 109 Description:  “Children who know the correct words for their body parts also have a lower risk of being sexually abused. So it helps keep your child safe, in addition to giving them that sense of ownership over their bodies that they'll hopefully carry their whole lives.” —Dorian Solot   The topic of sex and sexuality is still widely considered taboo when it comes to discussing it with children. Many parents feel uncomfortable or ill-equipped to have open, age-appropriate conversations about these sensitive subjects. And there is also a pervasive cultural narrative that children should be "protected" from knowledge about their own bodies and sexuality.    Dorian Solot is a mom, author, and sexuality educator who is passionate about empowering others especially young children to understand and celebrate their bodies. Through her work, including her two new children's books, Dorian aims to break the cycle of avoidance around sex and sexuality education. By normalizing discussions about anatomy, boundaries, and pleasure, Dorian's mission is to foster greater self-awareness, confidence, and safety in the next generation.   In this episode, Debra and Dorian share tips and wisdom on how parents can raise children who love their bodies. Tune in as they discuss the importance of parents using correct anatomical terms with young children, avoiding shame, and having ongoing conversations about sexuality rather than a single "big talk", why this step is necessary for helping kids build awareness and cultivate a positive relationship with their bodies, how this can safeguard children from sexual abuse, and more.     Check Out Dorian's New Books: All About Penises and All About Vulvas & Vaginas at: https://learningaboutbodies.com/     Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 02:36 Starting at Home  08:24 Taking the Birth Wisdom to Practice 14:38 How Parents Can Teach Their Kids About Their Bodies 19:07 Befriend Your Body 21:27 How to Succeed with “The Talk”   

Ep 108 Description:  “Pregnancy and new parenthood are not for the faint of heart. But it's okay to feel a little out of sorts. It's okay to feel overwhelmed. That doesn't mean you're a bad person or bad parent— it means you're human. Softening towards yourself is important.” —Olivia Bergeron Postpartum is a time of immense change and adjustment. New mothers are navigating physical and emotional recovery from childbirth while also learning to care for a newborn. It can be an overwhelming experience made more difficult by a lack of support and self-care.  Olivia Bergeron is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist who founded Mommy Groove Therapy and Parent Coaching to help moms and dads through empathy, connection, and self-care. She teaches postpartum doula workshops and provides virtual parent coaching to support new parents' mental health and ease the challenges of postpartum. Don't miss this week's episode as Debra and Olivia dive into the importance of validating the challenges of postpartum, giving time for self-care, especially for new mothers, the power of challenging negative thoughts and self-criticism, and the benefits of preparing for postpartum care early on.  Grab Olivia's Gift for Parents: https://rebrand.ly/qs4parents      Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 02:47 A Focus on Postpartum Care 10:04 Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety 14:14 Cultivation Positivity During Challenging Times 18:59 Preparing for Parenthood  

Ep 107 Description:  “We don't get to choose our labor; we get to choose how we respond.” —Tamara Walker While birth plans aim to prepare us for what's to come, the reality is that labor does not always go according to plan. Tamara Walker's story is a powerful example of just how quickly things can change. With her first birth, she felt in control as labor progressed gradually over many hours. However, her second showed her how unpredictable it can be. Tamara is a childbirth educator and doula. With over 20 years of experience in nursing and birth work, she is passionate about empowering birthing people through education. Tamara teaches childbirth classes through Birth Bootcamp and offers doula services to help clients achieve their desired birth experiences.   Listen in as Tamara talks about the stark differences she observed between a hospital birth and one at a birthing center as well as insights from her own labors— one a long but gradual process, and the other taking an unexpected turn requiring intervention on the side of a highway.   Debra and Tamara also discuss how the unexpected can occur in labor and the importance of listening to your body's cues, the importance of open communication and emotional support, the role of education and trust in creating positive birth experiences, the need to choose the right birth support team, and the importance of processing emotions after birth even when the outcome was positive. Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 03:30 The Importance of Preparation   09:09 Powerful Birth Stories 14:52 Navigating Unexpected Birth Experiences 20:40 Birthing in a Car! 25:13 Preparation for a Positive Birth Experience   

Ep 106 Description:  “We shouldn't underestimate our emotions and what that can do to us as we are carrying the child and giving birth.”  —Ma Ananda Sarita   Tantra offers powerful tools to prepare the mind, body, and spirit for birth. As birth approaches, Tantra encourages transcending cultural conditioning of pain to rediscover birth as a natural, ecstatic process. With regular practice, its methods support relaxing into birth's unfolding rather than resisting it through fear.    This week, Debra sits with world-renowned Tantra Master, Ma Ananda Sarita to discuss conscious conception, conscious pregnancy, and conscious birth. As a master healer, she guides students on the spiritual path of self-realization through Tantra, meditation, and healing past psychological issues.   Listen in as Debra and Ma Ananda talk about the spiritual essence of Tantra, exploring its application to meditation, love, and devotion, cultural conditioning and past experiences that hinder women's potential, the importance of deconditioning and trusting the body's natural abilities, the connection between meditation, conscious conception, and pleasure in motherhood and birth, as well as the transformative potential of this approach.  Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 04:34 Sexuality and Motherhood   11:26 The Importance of Pre-Conception Care 18:53 Deconditioning From Pain 24:10 Tantra for Sexual Healing and Ecstasy  32:01 Spirituality and Birth Practices  

Ep 105 Description:  “Fear is a natural response, but it doesn't have to control your birth experience. With the right preparation, support, and mindset. You can transform that fear into confidence and have a powerful, empowering positive birth.” —Debra Pascali-Bonaro   While fear is a natural human response, cultural and medical environment factors appear to be exacerbating childbirth fears rather than alleviating concerns for many. This not only leads to physical, emotional, and psychological trauma for the mother but also undermines the bonding experience between mother and child during the critical early period.     In this episode, Debra outlines several thought-provoking reasons for increasing fear levels plus 8 tips to help women face their worries and embrace labor as a personal journey of strength, connection, and empowerment. Tune in! If you are a doula, nurse, midwife, or birth worker who would like to expand your practice with pleasure and Orgasmic Birth - Learn more at https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/orgasmic-birth-practitioner-training/    Debra also has a class on positively preparing for a cesarean or a VBAC vaginal birth after cesarean https://orgasmicbirth.thinkific.com/courses/cesarean-vbac  Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 00:50 Fear of Childbirth Increasing Trend 04:49 The Need for Safety and Privacy     10:44 Key Ingredients: Right Preparation, Support, and Mindset  15:37 Reclaim Your Birth  

Ep 104 Description:  “Women know how to birth their babies, like their bodies know how to breathe and their hearts know how to beat. We just have to get out of its way.” —Anne Many of the words that come to mind when thinking about birth reflect the fear and medicalization perpetuated by modern society. Terms like "painful," "dangerous," and "emergency" portray childbirth as something to be endured or avoided rather than a natural process. This stems from the widespread use of interventions like induction, epidurals, and cesarean section that have stripped birth of its innate beauty and turned it into a clinical event. By challenging these prevalent narratives and embracing midwifery models of care, women can reclaim birth as a profound, empowering life experience rather than something to dread or "survive." This week, we are joined by Anne Margolis, a licensed certified nurse midwife and yoga teacher with over 28 years of experience helping mothers have natural and healing birth experiences. She advocates for a holistic, trauma-sensitive approach to childbirth that empowers women.   Tune in as Debra and Anne discuss the medicalization of childbirth and its impact on women's empowerment and pleasure, the importance of autonomy and trust in the birthing process, the role of midwives in providing emotional support and trauma-sensitive care, the power of a positive mindset during childbirth, and more! Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 02:57 Birth Trauma and the Impact of Medical Intervention on Mothers   08:33 Midwifery as a Healing Profession 14:17 Challenges of Advocating for Natural Birth Practices 19:37 The Power of Mindset and Preparation for Childbirth  25:46 Embracing the Unexpected  30:30 Trauma Release Formula     

Ep 103 Description:  “It's helpful to make sure that you're considering what you really want, and then stack the cards in your favor.” —Laura Hanstad A woman's birth experience is one of the most powerful and transformational events of her life. Yet for many, it does not go as envisioned due to a lack of knowledge or support.  This week, Debra sits with Laura Hanstad to discuss the power women have over their birth choices to achieve the empowered birth they want. Laura discovered the power of choosing the right support team after an initial discouraging birth experience. She has since become a doula, educator, and healing practitioner to help other mothers understand their options and achieve the autonomous births they envision. Listen in as Debra and Laura talk about choosing providers and a location aligned with your birth vision, why selecting an OB-GYN vs midwife can impact the level of support for a natural physiological birth, how "stacking the cards in your favor" leads to preferred outcomes, complementary techniques like hypnobirthing and craniosacral therapy that address mind-body connections, how continuous care from a doula enhances emotional and physical support during labor, and planning to allow for the unpredictable nature of birth. Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 02:41 Birth Education  08:13 Regaining Autonomy and Empowerment  14:07 HypnoBirthing 18:59 Healing Past Birth Trauma  24:17 Preparing for a Positive Birth Experience 28:40 Birth Support Options  

Ep 102 Description:  “Your body belongs to you. Your body isn't for someone else's pleasure. It's not an ornament.” —Christine Mason The female body undergoes profound changes during pregnancy and childbirth. As the womb expands to nurture new life, the body's shape and functions are transformed. However, societal attitudes have not always celebrated these transformations, with pregnant and postpartum women facing criticism and shame regarding their changing forms. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to reclaim the potent beauty and power of the birthing body. By reframing stretch marks as badges of motherhood and embracing the sensuality of breastfeeding, women are rediscovering the dignity and strength inherent to their reproductive experiences. Hence, in this episode we are shifting the focus on loving and valuing the changing bodies of pregnant and postpartum women. This week, Debra sits with Christine Mason, a mother, author, and founder of Rosebud Woman . Christine emphasizes the power of reconnecting with one's inner radiance to overcome societal objectification and fully step into the beauty and power of female reproduction. Tune in as Debra and Christine discuss the challenges with body image, ways to heal trauma and reconnect with one's body, practical tips and perspectives on caring for the physical changes of pregnancy and childbirth, as well as honoring the transformative role of motherhood.    If you are a doula, nurse, midwife, or birth worker who would like to expand your practice with pleasure and Orgasmic Birth - Learn more at https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/orgasmic-birth-practitioner-training/    Debra also has a class on positively preparing for a cesarean or a VBAC vaginal birth after cesarean https://orgasmicbirth.thinkific.com/courses/cesarean-vbac  Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 02:49 Birth Experiences and Their Impact on Motherhood  08:40 Healing Trauma and Loving the Female Body  13:54 Reframing Stretch Marks 18:50 Postpartum Care and Recovery  24:10 Restoring the Power and Dignity of Women's Bodies  

Ep 101 Description:  “If we can learn to tolerate our feelings of emotional pain, grief, loss, sadness, and anxiety, we open up the possibility of being able to feel more pleasure. And it starts with the body.” —Dr. Nan Wise Pleasure is a fundamental part of the human experience that enhances well-being and quality of life. The ability to experience joy and satisfaction promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and strengthens our relationships and connections with others. Yet modern lifestyles often leave little time for leisure, play, and mindfulness of sensations in our own bodies.   This week's episode explores the neuroscience of pleasure and how stress impacts our ability to experience joy with our expert guest, Dr. Nan Wise. Why Good Sex Matters author, Dr. Wise, is a certified sex therapist, relationship specialist, and neuroscience researcher. Her studies help address the gaps in literature regarding the neural basis of human sexuality. Dr. Nan is passionate about teaching her clients techniques to manage stress and experience more pleasure in their daily lives and relationships.   Listen in as Debra and Dr. Wise offer strategies to regulate the nervous system and access pleasure pathways in the brain and tools pregnant women can use to prepare emotionally for birth. They also delve into how stress can "hijack" brain chemistry and impact mental health, the brain's core emotional systems, the importance of self-care for mothers, and redefining sexuality beyond intercourse to embrace embodiment and connection. If you would like to Positively Prepare for Birth - check out our Pleasurable Birth Essentials online classes  or if you are a doula take our  free challenge of  5 Essential Tools to Enhance Pleasure-Centered Birth:    https://orgasmicbirth.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/f09cf842-9294-41f3-941e-ab4cd6833a59    https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/orgasmic-birth-practitioner-training/  Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 03:11 Managing Stress and Anxiety   09:10 Brain Function and Emotions 14:21 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence During Pregnancy and Childbirth 22:03 Redefining Sexuality During Pregnancy and Parenthood  25:15 The Origin of Emotions

Ep 100 Description:  “Birth and sex are transformative, intimate, and deserving of safe private spaces that honor the essence of the experience.” —Debra Pascali-Bonaro   We welcome you to EPISODE 100!!    Our podcast has hit its pleasure peak as it reached its century mark all thanks to you, our dear listeners.    And what better way to celebrate this milestone than to reclaim birth as a natural and pleasurable experience with a heartwarming and insightful message from your host, Debra herself!  Societal conventions have long inhibited an open discussion of birth's inherent sexuality. However, when a woman's experience of her changing and birthing body is shrouded in silence rather than embraced as natural, she is deprived of cultivating an environment to honor birth's intimacy.   In this episode, Debra talks about transforming childbirth from a medicalized procedure to a natural, pleasurable experience by embracing its inherent connections to sexuality. Listen in as she discusses how physiological and psychological factors can either enhance pleasure and flow or diminish these experiences during both labor, delivery, and intimacy. Debra also shares mind-body techniques that can help women get "out of their head" and fully into their body, the role of embodiment practices, how to cultivate a safe space to honor birth's intimate nature, and challenging the societal norms that have stripped away acknowledgment of birth's sexual elements. The overall message emphasizes If you are a doula, nurse, midwife, or birth worker who would like to expand your practice with pleasure and Orgasmic Birth - Learn more at https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/orgasmic-birth-practitioner-training/    Debra also has a class on positively preparing for a cesarean or a VBAC vaginal birth after cesarean https://orgasmicbirth.thinkific.com/courses/cesarean-vbac  Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 00:50 Guess What? 06:27 Factors That Impact Pregnancy, Labor, and Delivery 14:06 The Importance of Creating a Safe Space for Birth 19:48 Birth is Intimate and Sexy