The Modern Doula

In this spicy and refreshingly honest episode of The Doula and The Doc, we're joined by sexologist Laura Miano to talk about something most people don't discuss after kids - sex and intimacy.From hormonal rollercoasters and body image shifts to the sheer exhaustion of parenting, we explore why intimacy can take a hit—and how to start feeling connected again, both physically and emotionally.We cover:

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of The Doula and The Doc, Vanessa and Dr. Joe sit down with Patrice Daglis to unpack her raw and emotional pregnancy and birth journey. This episode goes beyond one story. Dr. Joe breaks down what fertility specialists and obstetricians look for in high-risk pregnancies, shedding light on the complex decisions that happen behind the scenes. Whether you're navigating your own fertility journey, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about the realities of birth when things don't go to plan, this is the episode for you.#colposcopy #obstetrician #gynecologist #TheDoulaAndTheDoc#BirthStoriesUnfiltered#doula Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of The Doula and The Doc, we're joined by psychologist Cath Corcoran to explore the messy, beautiful, and often overlooked realities of pregnancy and postpartum. From the emotional toll of assisted reproduction to the identity shifts that come with becoming a parent, we go beyond the glossy Instagram moments and get real about what this journey actually looks like.We talk about the mental load—not just of new motherhood, but of the entire fertility-to-parenthood journey. For those navigating IVF or assisted reproduction, we discuss the emotional rollercoaster, relationship strain, and why it's so important that both partners are supported and in good health, mentally and physically.Topics include:

We're wrapping up Season 1 of The Doula and The Doc with a bang—and a big dose of honesty, humour, and heart. In this special Q&A episode, Vanessa and Dr. Joe answer your most-asked, most Googled, and most why does no one talk about this? " questions.Whether you're pregnant, postpartum, planning, or just curious—this episode is packed with practical tips, myth-busting truths, and the kind of reassurance only your favourite doula and obstetrician duo can deliver.It's the perfect way to close out a season full of real talk, big feelings, and empowering info. Thank you for listening—we'll be back soon with more!#TheDoulaAndTheDoc#SeasonFinale#PregnancyQandA#AskTheExperts#BirthAndBeyond#DoulaSupport#DrJoeAnswers#PregnancyTruths#FourthTrimesterTalk#WomensHealthUnfiltered#RealTalkMotherhood#FromBumpToBaby#VanessaAndDrJoe#EmpoweredParenting#doula #obstetrician #gynaecologists #qanda Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buckle up! This episode of The Doula and The Doc is a wild ride through the pregnancy rollercoaster. From morning sickness to midnight cravings, Vanessa and Dr. Joe break down the highs, lows, and all the weird (and wonderful) surprises that come with growing a human.Dr. Joe offers the inside scoop (literally) on what's happening in the body throughout pregnancy—from hormonal shifts to digestion drama—while Ness shares her doula-approved tips for surviving and thriving through the toughest moments.Whether you're pregnant, supporting someone who is, or just curious about the wild world of pregnancy, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and the kind of real talk that makes you feel less alone.#TheDoulaAndTheDoc#PregnancyJourney#PregnancyRealTalk#TrimesterByTrimester#PregnancyCravings#CravingsCorner#DoulaSupport#DrJoeSays#HormonesAndAll#ExpectingMums#FirstTimeMum Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Doula and The Doc, we're diving deep into everything your health teacher didn't tell you about your menstrual cycle. From what's normal to what's not, Dr. Joe and Ness unpack the signs, symptoms, and secrets of your cycle that every person deserves to understand.We bust some major myths—like whether getting your period young means early menopause and if tampons are really as bad as TikTok says. Plus, we explore why your period is so much more than just an inconvenience—it's a powerful window into your overall health.We also get real about the unspoken stuff: discharge changes, bleeding on contraception, irregular cycles, Mirena mysteries, and how to handle pain without being dismissed.And of course, Dr. Joe takes on your burning questions in our listener Q&A, from painful sex and PMDD to post-miscarriage cycles and what it means when you've had discharge for ages but no period yet.This one's packed with knowledge, compassion, and the kind of straight-up info we all wish we had sooner.#TheDoulaAndTheDoc#PeriodTalk#CycleHealth#MenstrualMyths#WomensHealthMatters#KnowYourCycle#PeriodEducation#HolisticAndMedical#GynoChat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Doula and The Doc, we're bringing the pelvic floor out of the shadows and into the spotlight—with zero shame and plenty of laughs.Joining Vanessa and Dr. Joe is the fabulous Laura Scott, a pelvic floor specialist who's on a mission to help you understand, strengthen, and take ownership of your body from the inside out.We chat about why pelvic floor health really matters—from incontinence and prolapse to postpartum recovery and beyond. Dr. Joe breaks down the difference between pelvic physio and when surgery might be on the cards, while Laura shares simple, powerful ways to reconnect with your core without fear or embarrassment.Plus, your listener questions answered! Think:

Welcome to the very first episode of The Doula and The Doc, where birth meets brains and heart! In this episode, you'll meet the dynamic duo behind the mic: Vanessa Salerno, the nurturing doula with a calming presence, and Dr. Joseph Sgroi, the obstetrician with the credentials (and a sense of humor to match).Together, they dive into who they are, why they do this work, and how their collaboration is flipping the script on traditional birth support. Expect real talk, laughs, and maybe even a few happy tears as they share personal stories and bust some big myths about doulas, doctors, and what it really means to be supported during birth.They're here to challenge the “medical vs. holistic” mindset and show how teamwork can truly empower birthing people. Plus, they'll give you a sneak peek of what's to come — from juicy birth topics to expert guests and listener Q&As.So grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let's kick off this wild and wonderful journey together. Birth talk has never been this fun!#TheDoulaAndTheDoc#BirthSupportDreamTeam#DoulaLife#EmpoweredBirth#BirthWithoutFear#HolisticMeetsMedical#PregnancyPodcast#BirthEducation#DoulasAndDoctors#PregnancyJourney#SupportForBirth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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This week we have a very special guest, one of The Modern Doula's closest friends, Ania Mineo, talking about her own personal experience of having two out of her three births with a rare blood disorder and one of her babies be in the special care unit for 6 weeks post birth.Ania opens up about all of her pregnancy experiences from miscarrying, the emotional rollercoaster you go on after a miscarriage, the spiral of questions you ask yourself if you could have prevented it from occurring, her first birth being a completely normal birth to her next two births being both high risk.It wasn't until the 7 week mark of her second pregnancy that Ania found out there was something not quite right, anti E blood disorder where her blood had built antibodies that thought the baby's blood was harmful. It was most likely from a pass of blood in her first pregnancy that then caused her blood to build a defence mechanism. It wasn't until her third birth where this rare condition, haemolytic disease of the newborn, became quite serious and potentially fatal for her third born.Ania candidly speaks having a child in NICU, the rare blood condition and the tools that helped her through.For more see our facebook community page The Modern Doula@Vanessa.salerno_doula@Themoderndoula_podcastProudly brought to you by @Chemistwarehouseaus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today is a solo ep, just me and we cover the whole spectrum form preconception to birth in our frequently asked questions. We chat vaginal births, tips for natural pain relief during labour, IVF and infertility, going from one child to two, the first trimester and how to even become a doula plus so much more. All things you have asked me we cover. For more see our facebook community page The Modern Doula@Vanessa.salerno_doula@Themoderndoula_podcastProudly brought to you by @Chemistwarehouseaus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dad's don't often get much attention when it comes to pregnancy, birth and postpartum. It's the first generation where Dads are a part of the birthing experience and this week I chat to Nick and Britt, one of my birth couples, but in particular Nick. We look at birth and postpartum from a Dad's perspective, finding your confidence especially as a first time Dad and the informative process of having both a birth and postpartum doula. Interestingly we also share a few tips of how to introduce your pets to your child. The second half we are joined by Britt who opens up about why she chose to have a doula as a part of her pregnancy and postpartum, insight of what it's like having a doula and what type of people might benefit from the skills a doula brings to the whole experience. For more see our facebook community page The Modern Doula@Vanessa.salerno_doula@Themoderndoula_podcastProudly brought to you by @Chemistwarehouseaus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This weeks episode is with the beautiful Elise Stapleton who works in the fertility industry but we chat about her personal experience of suffering from endometriosis and freezing her eggs at the age of 30. Elise runs through her whole experience of egg freezing, retrieval and doing it by yourself. In 2022, because of Elise's prior diagnosis of endometriosis she thought it was coming back, the doctors thought it was endo in the bowel however after surgery it wasn't endo, it turned out to be cancerous tumour. This is Elise inspiring story of listening to your body. For more see our facebook community page The Modern Doula@Vanessa.salerno_doula@Themoderndoula_podcastProudly brought to you by @Chemistwarehouseaus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When women become mothers our identity shifts, we tend to pigeon hole ourselves as just “mums” and can easily lose our own sense of self and our identity. In this episode we speak to the beautiful Julia Mendola about her experience of motherhood, being a single mum, finding herself again and the importance of reflection and looking back for parents. It all goes in a flash.Every parenting situation and journey is unique and I feel privileged we have this platform where we can explore parenting and share insights that may be helpful for you. I have known Julia for about 8 years and having this open conversation I was able to connect and learn even more about her. Julia reflects on having a child that wouldn't sleep, being exhausted, asking for help and subsequently going into a mum and baby unit and feeling like a fraud. The start was hard and Julia reflects back on this time.Julia runs an amazing children's boutique in Essendon and online store Chocolate Freckles.For more see our facebook community page The Modern Doula@Vanessa.salerno_doula@Themoderndoula_podcastProudly brought to you by @Chemistwarehouseaus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Birth happens between your ears before anywhere else" is one thing I always talk about with my birthing clients.Everyone pictures their birth experience and each one looks completely different to the other. You have an expectation of what your birth will look like and this is why I don't necessarily believe in birth plans because plans can change but let's explore birth preparation so you can make an empowered decision. Education is key when it comes to your birth and postnatal experience. Knowledge is power. We also chat with Victoria Schena and Tully Humphrey who are both currently pregnant. This quick chat we talk about other peoples opinions, their own empowered decisions and their individual pregnancies, which are both very different, hence why we say no two pregnancies are the same and no two births are the same. For more see our facebook community page The Modern Doula@Vanessa.salerno_doula@Themoderndoula_podcastProudly brought to you by @Chemistwarehouseaus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we have leading obstetrician, gynaecologist and IVF specialist Dr. Joseph Sgroi.This episode we speak about our unique relationship as OB and doula, breaking down the old beliefs of what and who is a doula. Dr. Joe is the ever optimistic OB who is building an incredible facility and team at The Epworth Freemasons leading the way for a modern approach to birth, pregnancy and what comprehensive care looks like for women beyond the medium.We talk birth, birth trauma, fertility and so much more including what inspired Dr. Joe to find his way into this medical field.See more about Dr. Joe here.For more see our facebook community page The Modern Doula@Vanessa.salerno_doula@Themoderndoula_podcastProudly brought to you by @Chemistwarehouseaus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we have a personal birth story with Hannah Woodcock who is a mother of 2. I worked with Hannah during her second pregnancy and we speak of our unique doula relationship where I coached Hannah to overcome the trauma of her first birth to help take away the fear and anxiety of the pending second birth to make it a much more enjoyable experience. Hannah birthed her first child during the pandemic which was an unprecedented experience as is but Hannah went into early labour and from the start something didn't feel right. I won't spoil the story and will let Hannah speak of her experience and how she overcame the birth trauma of her first pregnancy.Remember birth trauma is relative - everyone experiences it in different ways but we have to unpack it and deal with it so it doesn't continue to hold power over us.It was important for Hannah to rewrite her first birth story so it didn't impact her second birth experience because remember no two births are the same. For more see our facebook community page The Modern Doula@Vanessa.salerno_doula@Themoderndoula_podcastProudly brought to you by @Chemistwarehouseaus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we speak to Helen Roberts who is Associate Midwife Unit Manager Birth Suite - Epworth Freemasons.Helen was there for my first birth as a doula and has an amazing story of how she became a midwife. From having a premature birth herself at 27 weeks to becoming a mature age student studying midwifery after having all her children, Helen has an inspiring story of finding yourself after children, finding purpose and unexpectedly digging deep for inner resilience after being diagnosed with Cancer during this same period. Emigrating from Wales Helen found her home at The Epworth Freemasons straight away. What's so special about being a mid wife? Helen speaks with so much joy and compassion of what her experience is like in the birth suit and going through the final stages of one chapter, pregnancy, and the start of a new one, life and a newborn baby. Birth is not a linear experience and we talk about women can best prepare for birth. Knowledge is power. For more see our facebook community page The Modern Doula@Vanessa.salerno_doula@Themoderndoula_podcastProudly brought to you by @Chemistwarehouseaus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I chat to Anne and Laura from Hatch Physiotherapy. Anne and Laura are the founders of @Hatchphysiotherapy. They are passionate about all things pre and postnatal. They believe in proactive, evidence-based health care to avoid preventable birth injury.In this episode we discuss: ⁃ The benefits of doing pelvic floor exercises ⁃ Perineal massage ⁃ When to reach out to pelvic floor physiotherapist ⁃ The importance of seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist ⁃ How to perform your pelvic floor exercises ⁃ And much much more For more see our facebook community page The Modern Doula@Vanessa.salerno_doula@Themoderndoula_podcastProudly brought to you by @Chemistwarehouseaus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Modern Doula. This episode I talk about my background and why I am so passionate about being a doula, but what is a doula? I get this question all the time. I explain the role of a doula in your pre and post pregnancy journey and why I am so passionate about educating people and inspiring you to merge the worlds of western medicine and the holistic approach to create a unique approach for your birth and postpartum journey because no two journeys are the same and no two pregnancies are the same. For more see our facebook community page The Modern Doula@Vanessa.salerno_doula@Themoderndoula_podcastProudly brought to you by @Chemistwarehouseaus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your go-to podcast for all things pre and post birth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.