The Rise Parenting Podcast

In this episode of the Rise Parenting Podcast I chat with one of my best friends and new mama, Gardenia Bartolini-Volk Thongsilp. This mama is a force, she is already so grounded in her experience of motherhood and shares some of what she's learned through her birth experience and her weeks postpartum. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. As you'll here in the intro, I'm rethinking the format of the Rise Parenting Podcast for this new year so stay tuned on how it continues to evolve! Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

On this episode of the Rise Parenting Podcast, I chat with Kacey Zuvella, fertility nurse at Marin Fertility Center. She walks me through the various tests and treatments for infertility and shares her observations on current infertility trends, include maternal age, as well as the increase in women freezing their eggs in the Bay Area. It's said that 1 in 8 couples struggle with their fertility. It seems to be a topic that isn't discussed until it's an issue. So I hope this episode can educate you on the range of fertility treatments available and help to normalize infertility. I know so many women who have struggle to become pregnant or to maintain their pregnancy and too often these experiences are not shared. If you're struggling with fertility, there are so many supports available, please reach out. Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

I feel like I've been talking about sleep A LOT! So I was so excited to have Rachael Shepard-Ohta, from Hey Sleepy Baby, on the podcast. As a baby-led sleep specialist we focused on her approach to sleep, which normalizes infant sleep. We covered a lot in this episode, including bed-sharing, night weaning and extending naps. Thanks to those of you who wrote in questions. If you have more questions about sleep after this episode reach out to Rachael, she's a wealth of knowledge.  Want to learn more about my guest? @ heysleepybaby on Instagram Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

I was so excited to chat with Mandy Didion, mom of three and surrogate to one! In this episode, Mandy shares her desire to support other families through surrogacy, her experience through the IVF process, pregnancy and birth, and how that experience differed from her pregnancies and labors with her own children. I so appreciated Mandy's vulnerability in this episode and hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

In this episode of the Rise Parenting Podcast, I chat with Pelvic Floor PT and new mama, Charisse Balance. This is Charisse's second time on the podcast, previously she shared her insights in her professional role as a PT and this visit we hear her personal experiences as a new mom! We share birth stories and speak openly about our birth injuries, having both experienced varying degrees of perineal tearing. We connect on all things new mom: postpartum anxiety, managing expectations, breastfeeding and of course tear-care! Treatments referenced for perineal tear care: • side lying • exposure to air and light • compression garments • sitz baths • vaginal steaming • tamanu oil Also check out: Episode 4 with Charisse: https://www.riseparenting.com/blog/the-pelvic-floor Episode 16 where my husband and I share our full birth story: https://www.riseparenting.com/blog/our-birth-story Want to learn more about my guest: https://www.balancedphysioga.com Or find Charisse on Instagram @ balanced.physioga Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

I'm so excited to have Ozzie Ozkay-Villa on the Rise Parenting Podcast. Ozzie is a professional doula, currently providing services through Cleo; she founded Alternative Mothers Group and Oov Lifestyle. A mother of two, Ozzie is a natural community builder and has brought life to many visions over the years I've known her. In this episode, we chat about her unfolding as an entrepreneur, cannabis use as a mother for depression and anxiety, and mothering during COVID. Learn more about my guest: @ ozzieozkayvilla on Instagram Things referenced: Cleo - https://hicleo.com/ Oov - https://oov.life/ DTI - https://doulatrainingsinternational.com/ Tara Brooke on the Rise Parenting Podcast - https://www.riseparenting.com/blog/doula-support-during-covid Placenta Encapsulation - https://marinplacentaservices.com/ Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

In this episode of the Rise Parenting Podcast, I chat with Kelly Phipps of Milk and Swaddles, a birth and postpartum doula, as well as a childbirth and breastfeeding educator here in Marin. Kelly also leads local mothers groups, including the Pom Moms where I have found support as a new mom. In this episode, we connect about what support can look like during Shelter in Place, and motherhood during COVID. Kelly also shares her exciting work to establish the Bay Area chapter of ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network). Want to learn more about Kelly? https://www.milkandswaddles.com Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

I'm beyond excited to share this episode with you! My guest, Lisa Schrader, is a long-time mentor of mine. She inspired my studies, employed me out of college and officiated my wedding ceremony! I am deeply honored to have her on the podcast. Lisa is the founder of Awakening Shakti and has inspired the lives of thousands of women for over a decade as a workshop leader, author, speaker and coach. Her work has been featured on Oprah, Oxygen and VH1. She leads workshops and offers a variety of online group coaching and initiation programs to international audiences. She is a mother and recently married her beloved, Michael in the Sierra Foothills where they live. In this episode, we speak about the phases of womanhood and Lisa articulates the creative energy awakened around motherhood. We touch on nurturing the relationship with your partner after babies as well as the importance of accepting support and practicing self-care. I hope you love this episode as much as I do. Want to learn more about my guest? www.awakeningshakti.com Lisa also has a special offering she'd like to share with the Rise Parenting community! Things get much easier when you know how to reliably tap into your authentic feminine power—your Shakti. Sign up here for Lisa's free mini-course on “Being a Resourced Woman." https://www.awakeningshakti.com/resourced Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

My guest on today's Rise Parenting Podcast episode is Tara Brooke. Tara is the co-founder of Doula Trainings International (DTI), as well as Born into This, which is a space for parents, creatives, birth professionals and leaders to expand the conversation around reproductive health and social justice. I was grateful to have the opportunity to connect with Tara at such an intense time. We're two weeks into a “Shelter in Place” mandate in the Bay Area and information surrounding the current Coronavirus pandemic changes daily. Tara brings to our conversation her knowledge of current restrictions around hospital births due to the virus as well as solutions for incorporating labor support. Also in this episode, we hear how Tara evolved from a birth doula in New York to the co-founder of Doula Trainings International! She shares DTI's unique model as well as the inspiration behind Born into This and her hopes for this organization in the future. Tara Brooke I hope this episode brings comfort and support in these times of uncertainty. If follow up questions arise, please reach out, we are all in this together. Stay safe and stay home. Want to learn more about my guest: https://doulatrainingsinternational.com https://wearebornintothis.com @ tarabrooke1 on Instagram Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

I am so inspired by my guest today, Shannon Kozubik had a desire to raise her children in a home that would foster a deeper connection to the land, so she packed up her family and moved to Marin County from Minneapolis. Once here she tried to find the same yoga community she had in Minnesota, and when she couldn't, she created it! Shannon is the founder of Pomegranate, a yoga studio which caters to women in life's transitions: puberty, pregnancy, postpartum and perimenopause. Aside from yoga offerings, Pomegranate offers workshops for pre-teens and childbirth education classes. Shannon has created a very special community that is well known and respected in Marin County. I really appreciated the prenatal classes and now my son and I love going to Mommy and Baby yoga. Shannon is also the mother of 3 beautiful children, and in this episode, she shares her birth stories, including her two breech homebirths and the loss of her son Alexander in the hours after delivery. As you'll hear in her eloquent and vulnerable sharing, Shannon is a source of pure light! I really look up to her, not only as a business owner but as a mother. Want to learn more: https://pomcenter.com @ pomyoga on Instagram Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

In this episode of the Rise Parenting Podcast, I sat down with Megan Landrum, a registered dietitian with her own company, Alavita, which focuses on supporting women in the prenatal, pregnancy and postpartum stages through nutrition. Megan also works for a company called Evivo, who's research around the microbiome has led to infant probiotics that help newborns digest breastmilk. In this episode, we talk about perinatal nutrition, the importance of probiotics for newborns, especially those born via cesarean section or who have received antibiotics, as well as Megan's experience going back to work as a new mom. Learn more about Megan and her work: www.alavitanutrition.com https://www.evivo.com Resources Referenced: https://www.milkstork.com https://www.mamava.com Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

I am so excited to share my birth story with you! In this episode, I sit down with my husband, Derek, and son, Mason to record our home birth experience.  Topics referenced in this episode: GBS: What is Group Beta Strep - https://www.groupbstrepinternational.org/what-is-group-b-strep.html GBS Herbal Remedy Resources: Wellness Mama Blog - https://wellnessmama.com/8680/avoid-gbs/ Herbal protocol I tried before retesting… Twice daily I took: Raw Probiotics Vaginal Care Echinacea 350 mg Vitamin C 500 mg Garlic (either 2 plus cloves or two garlic capsules) In the evenings I made a suppository with: 1 ½ cup Coconut Oil, ½ Teaspoon Tea Tree, ½ Teaspoon Lavender, ½ Teaspoon Thyme, 40 drops Goldenseal Root Goddess Cards Referenced - https://www.amazon.com/Goddess-Guidance-Oracle-Doreen-Virtue/dp/1401903010/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=goddess+cards&qid=1580774867&sr=8-1 England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

This episode is important for every parent looking to raise their children consciously, in an inclusive community.  Janna Barkin is a mother, author, activist, passionate advocate for transgender youth and their families, as well as a yoga instructor. In this episode of the Rise Parenting Podcast we discuss parenting and how to support our children's gender expressions. Janna is the mother of a transgender son and shares her experience and wisdom in her book, He's Always Been My Son: A Mother's Story about Raising Her Transgender Son. Learn more about my guest: Janna Barkin - https://www.hesalwaysbeenmyson.com He's Always Been My Son: A Mother's Story about Raising Her Transgender Son - https://www.amazon.com/Hes-Always-Been-Son-Transgender/dp/1785927477/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3XURPO1BZAC3&keywords=hes+always+been+my+son&qid=1579486964&sprefix=hes+alw%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-1 Resources referenced in this episode : Gender Spectrum - https://www.genderspectrum.org Flamingo Rampant - https://www.flamingorampant.com Jessica Kingsley Publishers - https://www.jkp.com Stand with Trans, Ally Parents - https://standwithtrans.org/ally-parents/ Rainbow Families Bay Area - https://rainbowfamiliesbayarea.org Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

I loved sitting down with Elizabeth Shelhart for the podcast because while I knew she was a wealth of knowledge and such a name in the birth and mama community in Marin, I loved learning more about her story. Elizabeth is a certified massage therapist, specializing in prenatal massage, she is a certified birth doula, a yoga teacher and so much more! In this episode, she shares how each of these roles organically unfolded in her life's work, and we talk about the importance of “mothering the mother”, and prioritizing self-care at every stage, but especially postpartum. Want to learn more about my guest? https://www.eshelhart.com/ Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

This is the perfect episode for the holiday season! Because if your holidays are anything like mine, they tend to throw my normal eating habits for a loop, as I literally and metaphorically add more to my plate. In this episode of the Rise Parenting Podcast, I chat with Sarah Koplowitz, an integrative health coach who's coaching practice, Bee Well With Sarah, provides both individual as well as group coaching sessions. Together we discuss what Sarah calls the primary and secondary foods, as well as concrete supports for identifying areas in your own life where you can focus your attention to begin your wellness journey. We then take a deep dive into mindful eating - such an important topic this time of year! I hope you enjoy this episode, and if you haven't already, remember to subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Want to learn more about my guest? www.beewellwithsarah.com @ beewellwithsarah on Instagram  Find the resources referenced in this podcast at RiseParenting.com/blog/mindful-eating Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

Amy Greywitt is the owner of my local yoga studio, Metta Yoga, and a mom of twins, with her third child due in the new year. I've had the immense pleasure of getting to know Amy more over the last few months through our shared experience of pregnancy and I was so excited to have her on the podcast. She is a true mompreneur who left the high-stressed life of a lawyer to follow her passion of opening a yoga studio and living a more yogic lifestyle for herself and her family. In this episode, Amy shares her journey through IVF with her twins, her impetus to open a yoga studio and how her career and lifestyle change supported her ability to conceive her third child naturally. Learn more about my guest and Metta Yoga at: https://www.mettayogastudio.com/ Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

In this episode of the Rise Parenting Podcast I got to connect with my oldest friend, Christina, around her transition to motherhood, how she prioritizes her daughter, work, her relationship with her husband and also her own self-care. We talk about her work as a therapist at an eating disorder clinic and her own journey with an eating disorder. Christina shares her knowledge and experience raising a daughter in a world that praises a particular image of beauty and how she is learning to model positive body image and food neutrality to her 3-year-old. We also talk about intuitive eating and Christina shares some resources that she uses as a parent and therapist. Resources referenced in our conversation: RIE Parenting - https://www.rie.org/ Hand in Hand Parenting - https://www.handinhandparenting.org/ Eating Instinct - https://www.amazon.com/Eating-Instinct-Culture-Image-America/dp/1250120985 Food Psych - https://christyharrison.com/foodpsych Kristin Neff - https://self-compassion.org/ Eating by the Light of the Moon - https://www.amazon.com/Eating-Light-Moon-Relationship-Storytelling/dp/0936077360/ref=sr_1_2?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtf_tBRDtARIsAIbAKe1pIfJezaolzAR-9PXT8I7ngAgdVO3wCcAzgGZBNFgp8YVVXLBlG10aAh84EALw_wcB&hvadid=241928639678&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9032096&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=6859831975507454716&hvtargid=kwd-3757510470&hydadcr=22567_10346631&keywords=eating+in+light+of+the+moon&qid=1572931937&sr=8-2 Body Respect - https://www.amazon.com/Body-Respect-Conventional-Health-Understand/dp/1940363195 Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

Today's guest is a mom of three and one of best friends. In this episode, Lexie and I talk about the difference between her 3 pregnancies and births, the idea of work-motherhood balance and how she has managed to prioritize her marriage. This is the mama I go to for all my pregnancy and parenting questions, so I loved getting to have her on the podcast. I hope you enjoy today's episode. If you haven't already, I'd so appreciate you taking a minute to rate and review this podcast. Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

Today's guest is a dear friend and mentor of mine. Jennifer Curtis is a birth doula, infant massage educator and parent-infant class facilitator (learn more here: www.rie.org). She is a wealth of knowledge about pregnancy, birth and child development, and I think anyone who knows Jennifer would concur that she has the kindest heart. In this episode, we reminisce about how we met and the many hats Jennifer wears, focusing on her work as a doula. She defines the role of a doula eloquently and shares the various ways a doula can support a laboring woman. Want to learn more about my guest? http://heartfulbirth.com https://www.facebook.com/heartfulbirth/ Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

Colleen Lindstrom is an amazing healer bringing together chiropractic, cranial sacral and the subtle anatomy to her clients. In today's podcast episode, she shares her journey of integrating these healing modalities with the purpose of “witnessing miracles.” After the birth of her two children she began to look deeper at the pregnant body and the needs of the young child, so I was eager to ask her my questions about the transformation of motherhood on the physical body. Colleen shares about her work and upcoming book, Living Life Aligned, as well as her own wisdom as a mother. I hope you enjoy this episode. Want to learn more about my guest? www.drcolleenlindstrom.com @ dr.colleenlindstrom & @ colleenlindstromdc on Instagram Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

I met my guests from today's episode at a pelvic floor workshop, so I instantly knew I'd love them! Peri Hughes and Jessica Troy are two momtrepreneurs who started an online platform called Moving Mom SF. Both fitness instructors at the Dailey Method in San Fransisco, they've sought to create a space for moms to learn about the best pre and postnatal workouts, as well as mommy and me classes, childcare facilities, healthy kid-friendly cafes and holistic practitioners specializing in women's health in the city. In this episode we talk about their intention for Moving Mom SF, their journey to motherhood and how they maintain a healthy life in motion. If you're in the Bay Area this month check out their next event: “Do Less, Be More” - A mindful workout and honest discussion about motherhood Sunday, August 18th at The Dailey Method in Cow Hollow Want to learn more about my guests? https://www.movingmomsf.com/ @ movingmomsf on instagram Find Peri on insta @ phmethod Find Jessica on insta @ jesssstroy Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

I was delighted to have Lily Cameron, co-founder of The Wild Minimalist, on the Rise Parenting Podcast. The Wild Minimalist provides plastic-free, sustainable products both online and in store, and is an invaluable resource for reducing dependence on consumer goods. I myself have been striving to embrace a minimal waste lifestyle and plan to approach parenting with that same minimalist mindset, so I was excited to chat with Lily and get her advice. In this episode, we talk about her journey toward a low waste lifestyle, her role as a mom, as well as ways we can all begin to transition away from our dependence on plastic. What to learn more about my guest? Check out: https://wildminimalist.com/ @ thewildminimalist on instagram or visit their storefront 30 San Anselmo Ave. San Anselmo, California, 94960 Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

I'm so excited to share that I'm PREGNANT and in this week's episode I'm sharing my journey to conception with my husband. We talk about our excitement and fears, how we each prepared and the decisions we've made so far in our pregnancy. I hope you enjoy this week's episode. Please remember to subscribe to the Rise Parenting Podcast on iTunes Podcast for notifications about new episodes! Show Notes: Fertility herbs I mention… Pre-Conception, Fertility Support: - Herbs: these I took each morning in warm water like a tea for several months, then twice a day leading up to ovulation/conception and Derek began drinking this same tea leading up to conception as well: -- Ashwagandha - powder -- Slippery Elm - powder -- Shatavari – powder -- Maca – powder - Tea – I made this tea in bulk and drank it in the evenings: -- Red raspberry leave, Red clover, Nettles, Liquorish root, Dong Quai, and Rose -- While at work I'd sometimes have Traditional Medicinals Pregnancy Tea - Milk Thistle – capsules - Evening Primrose Oil – capsules - Rainbow Light Prenatal One - I also take a liquid probiotic every day During Ovulation and Post-Conception: Some of the above herbs while supportive of hormones and fertility are contraindicated or lack research around pregnancy so after we “opened our prayer” I only took: - Rainbow Light Prenatal One - Probiotics - And drank Traditional Medicinals Pregnancy Tea Now that I'm Pregnant I'm taking: - Rainbow Light Prenatal One - Probiotics - Parental DHA - Vitamin D (as I tested as being low) - And Traditional Medicinals Pregnancy Tea Other supports I utilized during pregnancy-prep: - Nutritionist, changed my diet, no caffeine or alcohol - Womb message - Acupuncture - Meditation - Hula-hooping - Yoni Steaming - Yoni Egg - Tracking periods While I've been asked to share what herbs I've taken I want to be clear that I am not a medical professional and you should do your own research and consult your doctor before taking any new herbs or supplements. Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

Charisse Balance is a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist as well as a Physiotherapist, incorporating physical therapy with her training as a yoga teacher to offer the science of movement, biomechanics, kinesiology and anatomy. Along with offering private sessions to clients, she teaches yoga and offers various workshops in the Bay Area. I had the pleasure of attending a workshop Charisse put on in San Francisco earlier this year on the pelvic floor, pre and postpartum, and was so excited when she agreed to come onto the podcast. What to learn more about my guest? Check out: www.balancedphysioga.com Or find Charisse on Instagram @balanced.physioga Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

In this episode of the Rise Parenting Podcast, I sat down with a dear friend of mine who eloquently shared her experience with infertility. “I had a really hard time swallowing [IVF]. That's not how I wanted to get pregnant. That's not how I wanted it to be… There's this shame that comes from not being able to reproduce naturally. It feels like somethings wrong with me, somethings wrong with us.” - Claire In the United States, about 10 in 100 (6.1 million) women have difficulty becoming pregnant or sustaining pregnancy (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Social Media and platforms like Rise Parenting are creating safe spaces for women to share their stories, yet still so many women struggle through infertility alone. I was so grateful to Claire for sharing her story; women need to tell their stories for their own healing as well as to support those around them. Resources mentioned in this episode: Matt & Doree's Eggcellent Adventure - https://eggcellentadventure.com Infertility Etiquette - https://resolve.org/support/for-friends-and-family/ BAES (Bay Area Eggheads inspired by Matt & Doree's Eggcelent Adventure podcast) is a private group, but Bay Area locals are encouraged to connect. You can email Claire directly for more information - clairegschwartz@gmail.com Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

In this week's episode of the Rise Parenting Podcast, I sat down with Susan Fox to talk about how acupuncture, Chinese Medicine and Functional Medicine can support fertility and pregnancy. Susan has a wealth of knowledge and we covered a wide range of topics including gut heath, the mind-body connection, and diet. Susan Fox is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. She is the founder of Balanced Restored - an acupuncture, herbal medicine and functional medicine clinic in Marin County, California. Susan is a licensed member of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine and is a specialist in women's reproductive health. Susan combines evidence-based research with customized Chinese Medicine diagnosis and treatment working with infertility, pregnancy, post-partum, peri-menopause and menopause. Susan is also a founding member of The Fertile Soul, which brings a holistic approach to infertility. What to learn more about my guest? Check out: https://drsusanfox.com & https://balancerestored.com Even if you're not local to the Bay Area, Susan offers phone and Skype consultations which I'd highly recommend, after our conversation I quickly became a patient of Susan's! Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode

In the first Rise Parenting Podcast episode, I sit down with my mother, Debra Lambrecht, to hear about my own birth and my mother's experience with Preeclampsia. It's said that you can learn a lot about your own pregnancy and birth from your mother's experiences. I hope this episode inspires you to connect with your mother about your own birth story. What to learn more about my guest? Check out: www.caulbridgeschool.org Podcast Music: England by Pictures of the Floating World, License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/legalcode