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Welcome back to another episode of The Mama Village Podcast! In today's episode, we have a special guest, Kim, a passionate midwife and Calmbirth practitioner. Join us as Kim shares her insights into the transformative power of Calmbirth, empowering women to embrace the natural process of birth with excitement and confidence, dispelling fear along the way. We explore crucial topics such as the impact of language used by medical professionals, midwifery burnout within the hospital system, and the business dynamics of hospitals. Kim emphasises the significance of positive birth experiences in nurturing mental and emotional well-being, crucial for a joyful start to parenthood and reducing depression rates. Kim courageously shares her personal fertility journey, navigating through challenges with fertility clinics and IVF, ultimately reclaiming her birth experience by planning a home water birth with a private midwife. She candidly opens up about her postpartum anxiety, highlighting the importance of seeking support and care. Tune in as Kim's story unfolds, offering a blend of wisdom, vulnerability, and hope, reminding us all of the profound resilience and beauty found in every birth and postpartum journey. If you want to learn more about Kim and her Calmbirth course offerings, you can contact her via Instagram @birth.tides or the Calmbirth website https://calmbirth.com.au/educators-profile/?edid=213 Subscribe now to The Mama Village Youtube channel coming soon - https://www.youtube.com/@the.mamavillage Please let me know what you think of today's show and what you would like to hear from the podcast by leaving a rating and review. If you like the show, please subscribe and leave a review on your podcast platform. If you would like to share your pregnancy, positive birth and postpartum story, or if you have education in the space to share, please send me a DM on Instagram or email the.mamavillage@outlook.com For all my listeners out there, thank you for continuing to support the show and I will speak to you all in next week's episode. For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103 Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice. Any information discussed in this podcast should not replace the advice of your professional healthcare provider. This podcast is designed for general information only and is not specific to individual needs. Please seek advice from your professional health care provider if you have any concerns regarding your pregnancy, birth or postpartum.
Whether you choose to birth in a hospital, birth center or home, there are small things you can do to help make your birth experience as calm and comfortable as possible. How can we tame our five senses so we can relax more easily? Can aromatherapy and essential oils help your labor progress faster? Does special lighting help with pain management? And can your favorite music playlist re-energize you for those last few pushes when your baby is crowning? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this podcast I am breaking down the common birth prep options: hypnobirth, calm birth, hospital birth workshops, and helping you identify the gaps within them. I also unpack the importance of mental and physical preparation, all you can be informed on how to have an empowering birth experience.In this podcast I discuss:What do I even need to prepare for birth? Why do I need to prepare for birth? What is the actual difference between hypnobirth, calm birth, hospital birth workshops? The pros and cons of each What to look for in these external birth workshops to know whether it's right for you or not.This podcast is for:Pregnant mamas or soon-to-be pregnant mamasMamas who are curious about the different options available to them Unsure of how to identify what they need from their birth prepGet your FREE 14 day Pregnancy Preparation Guide here: https://naturalbirthco.myflodesk.com/14dayguide (for pregnant mamas who have no idea where to start.) Sign up for tangible advice from the best preconception, pregnancy and birth professionals in your inbox every fortnight here: https://naturalbirthco.myflodesk.com/mamasadvicenewsletter I really hope you enjoy the podcast!To learn more about Natural birth co check out our website here: https://www.naturalbirthco.com/ Please share this podcast with anyone who you think will benefit from hearing or share your recent listen in your social stories! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 18 is from Jess in NSW who shares her homebirth after (traumatic) c-section (HBAC) story. An incredible story, with unfortunately a lot of drama, including problems getting a referral to a private midwife, issues around the GTT and GDM & then shockingly, after needing to transfer to hospital after Jacob was born, was treated horribly in hospital & was denied seeing or holding freshly newborn Jacob face-to-face for THREE days because of totally unaccetable reasoning surrounding Jess having COVID-19. Homebirth story begins approx 28:50Links to people/business/resources for this episode:Calmbirth https://calmbirth.com.au/Obstetric Violence & Sexual Assault in Maternity Care "Obstetric violence often focuses on labor and childbirth even when referring to maternity care, which includes pregnancy, given that these are moments in which women are particularly vulnerable to health care abuse and over-medicalization, or non-medically justified obstetric interventions, e.g., episiotomy and caesarean section. Other important components of obstetric violence are dehumanization and non-consensual care, as well as overall conversion of biological processes into pathological ones."https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10778012221140138https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/newscentre/news_centre/more_news_stories/study_finds_one-in-ten_australian_women_have_experienced_obstetric_violencePostnatal anxiety https://panda.org.au/articles/postnatal-anxiety-signs-and-symptoms/Birth Debrief with Core & Floor Restore https://coreandfloor.com.au/products/birth-debriefBirth Time Doco https://www.birthtime.world/The Unbelievable Tactics of teh Formula Industry on The Midwives Cauldron https://open.spotify.com/episode/3BsQomw00EvZ5NWfYPTbEA?si=9258a8e558ec4e15CHAPTERS: 01:00Jess's traumatic first birth experience02:25Jess's home birth after caesarean story08:11Jess's experience with gestational diabetes14:49Jess's caesarean birth experience20:30Decision to have a home birth33:36Options for home birth43:36Difficulties with GP and referral45:28Care with private midwife48:17Preparing for birth and moving houses49:40Midwife's Holiday and Breach Position51:14Turning the Baby53:03Miscarriage and ECV56:14COVID Diagnosis58:08Collaborative Care and Home Preparation01:00:32Onset of Labor01:04:57Pushing and Birth01:09:40Baby's Breathing Difficulties01:13:00Separation and NICU01:21:39Postpartum and Frustrations01:28:17Reflection and Future Birth PlansSupport the show
Today I discuss example birth plans with Dr Hugh Porter.Dr Hugh Porter is a highly skilled obstetrician with a passion for both low and high risk pregnancies. Dr Porter is happy to provide: natural birth, waterbirth, Calmbirth®, VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean section), Elective caesarean section, Maternal assisted caesarean section, Induction of labour and Twin birth (vaginal or caesarean). He is also a competent laparoscopic surgeon and colposcopist.]In today's episode we discuss:What is a birth plan?How important is it to develop a birth plan?What are some different birthing options to consider?What are some things to consider in a birth plan?Pain reliefPositioningFetal monitoringVaginal / cervical examsForceps versus ventouseEmergency caesarean versus forcepsWhen things aren't progressingSharing your birth planWhen things don't go according to planLINKS:Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklistFree 7 Day Trial Pregnancy WorkoutsFree 7 Day Trial Postnatal WorkoutsFitNest Mama WebsiteInstagram @fitnestmamaDr Hugh Porter's website: https://sydneybabies.com.au/Dr Hugh Porter's Instagram: @drhughporter** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition. Huge Black Friday sale with up to 40% off selected styles Thursday 23rd November to Monday 27th November. https://au.storksak.com/
In this episode of Untidy, the girls discuss the psychological minefield that is the gym. Matty gives an update on her calmbirth plan, and the girls discuss practical tips for mentally and physically preparing for labour; including a map of buttons ... Hannah prepares for her first-ever colonic irrigation, and they ponder what might be lurking in her bowels. Hannah shares advice for supporting kids going through a separation (or any big life change), and Matty discusses the family-wide emotional rollercoaster that was Disney on Ice. Untidy is made for you – the people right at the heart of this steaming hot mess we call parenthood. Follow the show and get in touch on Instagram @untidypodcast and visit Untidy podcast. Find Matilda at @matootles and get your copy of The Feel Good Guide. Find Hannah at @hannahedavison and her My Big Moments children's books at @mybigmoments. Enter code UNTIDY at checkout for 10% off your order. This Untidy episode is co-produced, edited and hosted by the good folks at rova.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, I introduce the new series on the effect of the pre and perinatal period of us as babies, children and adults. This fits alongside the upcoming publication of my book, The Emotional Life of Babies. In future episodes in this series, I'll be having conversations about healing from stress in utero, birth and the postnatal period for babies, children and adults, and the effect of not healing can have. I share about my own journey of realising how much my birthing experience, being born at 30 weeks and in an incubator for 6 weeks, affected my childhood and teenage years, and how, over the decades after that, I reconnected with feelings of grief, loneliness, powerlessness, terror, and the deep pain of my experiences not being understood. I talk about the difference between healing from the effects of our birth in adulthood compared to healing whilst a baby or child, with the support of our parents. I include the work of people like Stan Grof, Thomas Verny and Michel Odent, and the powerful effects their work had on me and my understanding of what babies experience. I share about HypnoBirthing and Calmbirth, and the huge shift I made from being terrified of giving birth to being completely calm during birthing. I talk about posterior birth and The Lifting Technique by Janie McCoy King, who wrote Back Labor No More! I also explain how I supported my son to heal from his very fast posterior birth on the day he was born. I talk about the will work of The Marion Method and how the timing of our birth can also continue to affect us later in life and the patterns that can continue.
Today we are exploring the topic of creating a calm birth environment. No matter if you are planning a home birth, hospital birth, caesarean or vaginal birth, this episode will be helpfulJoining me today is Claire Fulton, a childbirth and hypnobirthing educator, founder of The Nurture Nest and The Hypnobirthing Podcast.Today, we'll be discussing with Claire some amazing ways to help create a calm birth environment, including tips for birth partners, and practical tips no matter where or how you give birth.LINKS:Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklistFree 7 Day Trial Pregnancy WorkoutsFree 7 Day Trial Postnatal WorkoutsFitNest Mama WebsiteInstagram @fitnestmamaClaire Fulton website: https://thenurturenest.co.uk/The Hypnobirthing Podcast** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.
I head Lael Stone speak recently at an event about a school she founded, Woodline Primary, which focusses on a holistic and heart-lead approach to education. This is just one of the many ways in which Lael is changing the way we give raise and educate children from pre-natal to adolescence. Leal created the ‘About Birth' program after working with thousand of parents, children, families and identifying the need for a more connected and empathetic approach to assisting mothers and babies who had experienced trauma. About Birth has become Australia's leading online childbirth program.She's been a Calmbirth practitioner, postnatal trauma counsellor, and Aware Parenting instructor. As her own children grew up she developed a sex education curriculum for secondary schools and has delivered a Ted Talk on How to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children'.She's a podcast host of the very popular and successful ‘The Aware Parenting' podcast with co host. Marion Rose and has just written a best selling book called ‘Raising Resilient and Compassionate Children'.Oh, and as previously mentioned she's founded a school - Woodline Primary that is revolutionising education by fostering connection and awareness through supporting and nurturing the whole child.In this episode we talk about all the above and focus on:Childhood trauma - what is it and how can we prevent it?What is 'aware parenting' and how can we do it?How to address childhood trauma as an adultHow to raise emotionally inteligent children as a parent and teacherTrauma and re-parenting ourselves as adultsLael Stone's WebsiteThe Aware Parenting podcast Raising Resilient and Compassionate Children bookWoodline Primary SchoolSubscribe to A Satisfied Mind newsletterThanks for listening,Michael
Whether you choose to birth in a hospital, birth center or home, there are small things you can do to help make your birth experience as calm and comfortable as possible. How can we tame our five senses so we can relax more easily? Can aromatherapy and essential oils help your labor progress faster? Does special lighting help with pain management? And can your favorite music playlist re-energize you for those last few pushes when your baby is crowning? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Each October, Michelle honors Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month on the podcast. This year she shares an episode from her Birth Ease Loss Support Podcast featuring samples of the Calm Birth meditations for perinatal loss. "The loss of a pregnancy or infant is an incredibly common heartbreak. Yet, we are given so few opportunities to grieve a loss that is often invisible to those around us. Calm Birth for Pregnancy and Infant Loss presents an opportunity to move through emotions and to send life on its way with love. If someone you know has lost a pregnancy or infant, this can be a beautiful way of supporting them through this journey. If you lost a pregnancy or infant recently, or in the past, please use these audioguides for healing and moving about life changed but still whole."—Calm BirthResources:To Purchase the Calm Birth Meditations for Pregnancy Loss https://www.calmbirth.org/audioguidesProgressive Relaxation for Grief: https://www.futurity.org/grief-progressive-muscle-relaxation-2617232TONGLEN MEDITATION by Pema Chödrön: https://youtu.be/QwqlurCvXuM Connect with Michelle:Website: BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook: Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram: @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle SmithPodcast: Birth Ease Loss SupportThank you for listening!
The Calm Birth prenatal meditation program now has an app for easier access to the meditations. Michelle shares samples of the meditations for listeners to experience. You can learn more about Calm Birth and the practices in episodes 76-80 and about the similarities and differences between Hypnobirthing and Calm Birth in episode 86. Michelle includes the introduction for each meditation beginning with this 7-minute version of Womb Breathing or Breather as it is named on the App. She also provides a sample of Rest based on the Practice of Opening and Healing based on the practice of compassionate breathing. The app also includes affirmations for pregnancy and birth which parents find extremely valuable. You can listen to the full audio for the Calm Parents meditation breath feeding for nursing in episode 140. The app includes versions of this meditation for parents that are bottle feeding, pumping, and chestfeeding. Michelle also includes the Calm Parents meditation Bond which can be helpful when caring for a crying baby. Please note that there are versions of the Calm Birth meditations for parents planning a cesarean birth, as well. Please find a safe and comfortable spot to relax and enjoy these samples of the Calm Birth Meditations. GO to the App Store for the Calm Birth App. Reach out at Michelle@birtheaseservices.com for Calm Birth childbirth classes or the meditations for parents planning a cesarean birth or at www.calmbirth.org. Connect with Michelle Smith:Virtual Classes or Sessions with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-education, Facebook: Birth Ease, The Birth Ease PodcastInstagram: @birtheasemichellesmithYouTube: Birth EaseLinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle SmithWebsite: BirthEaseServices.com Thank You for Listening!!
Michelle and Keshia Lockett are celebrating the release of Keshia's book, Birth Undisturbed: How to Have an Undisturbed Unmedicated Hospital Birth, on Amazon and the success of her Black Doula Tour as well the release of Calm Birth's new meditation app for pregnancy, birth, and parenting which features Michelle's voice in the audios. Keshia shares all about The Black Doula Tour and her book. Together, they discuss the sacredness and sanctity of birth and why knowledge, education, and choosing a provider that reflects your values for your pregnancy and birth are vital. "And that's what The Black Doula Tour is really, really all about. It's about connecting with people. It's about finding your soul drive. It's about getting education that you need during pregnancy. It's just about so, so much. Every tour we aim to have different speakers that can come and share their knowledge. So every tour will be absolutely different with different faces. You won't get the same thing out of each tour." —Keshia LockettGrab a copy of Keshia's book on Amazon: Birth Undisturbed: How to Have an Undisturbed Unmedicated Hospital BirthGet your tickets for The Black Doula Tour About Keshia:Keshia Lockett is a certified birth and postpartum doula, certified breastfeeding counselor, childbirth educator, author, and podcaster. She has a passion for childbirth, empowering birthing people, and fighting racial disparities in the medical field that started from a very young age. She realized black women giving birth are at a major disadvantage, and so she made it her mission to change that! Connect with Keshia:Website: https://www.embraceyourbirthdoula.com/Instagram: @empoweredblackdoula, @embraceyourbirthdoula_Facebook: @Empowered Black Doula, @Embrace YourBirth DoulaPodcast: Empowered Black Doula Connect with Michelle:Classes with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-educationFacebook: Birth Ease, The Birth Ease Podcast, Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram: @birtheasemichellesmith, @birtheaselossssupportYouTube: Birth EaseLinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle SmithWebsite: BirthEaseServices.com Thank you for listening!
Anna Humphreys, co-director of Calm Birth, and Michelle explain the last practice in this series of 3 meditations for healing during or after an abortion. This meditation, Renew, is based on the practice of Giving and Receiving, a practice from ancient wisdom. It is tong len, compassionate breathing, applied to the ending of a pregnancy. It's a practice of breathing healing for self and others. Please note, when practicing compassionate breathing, we are breathing in the awareness of challenges or suffering (our own or others) without taking in the suffering and exhaling an intention for peace, healing, or compassion, etc. towards ourselves or others. “I believe that there is a subtle, but profound, effect when we do direct our attention and our intention toward healing ourselves and others.” -Anna HumphreysFor those of us at Calm Birth meditation that have been working on this Calm Abortion project, it is our hope that these meditations help to invite healing for whoever chooses to listen, no matter how long ago they experienced an abortion for any reason or circumstance.Learn more about the Calm Abortion meditations at Instagram @calmabortion and Facebook @calmabortion Learn more about the practice of Tonglen:Pema Chödrön : Tonglen Meditation Resources: ACOG (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) Statement on Abortion BansWorld Health Organization's statement on abortionEvidence Based Birth: Abortion Research Resource GuideGrief After Abortion: healing from unspoken loss
Anna Humphreys, the co-director of Calm Birth, shares why this project of healing meditations for abortion is essential. Restore, the second meditation in the series is based on the practice of opening, a healing progressive relaxation meditation. The method is based on Progressive Relaxation techniques developed by Edmund Jacobson, M.D., at the Harvard Medical School and the University of Chicago Medical School in the 1920s and 1930s. A wide range of medical problems were successfully treated by healing corresponding problems in the nervous system. The method was then further developed in the University of Massachusetts Medical Center's medicine/meditation program beginning in 1979. The body responds to stress with muscle tension, which can cause pain or discomfort. In turn, tense muscles relay to the body that it's stressed. That keeps the cycle of stress and muscle tension going. Progressive muscle relaxation helps break this cycle by reducing muscle tension and general mental anxiety. This practice is useful for sleep and rest."I've seen abortions be incredibly difficult decisions for people whether it's something they know they want or their life circumstances didn't allow for a child at the time. Either way, it is a challenging physical experience to release a pregnancy and the healing is rarely honored. That's why I am so glad that we had this practice of progressive relaxation to draw from that I'm intimately familiar with from the Calm Birth program but that applies so well to recovering from an abortion, especially at a time when the female body is being increasingly commodified and criminalized. ...Abortion meditations won't fix the systemic problems that allow these laws to pass, but I think it's an important drop in the bucket. I also love that they're gender-inclusive, because we know abortion is non-binary. These meditations are for everyone, and I hope they reach anyone who could use some extra support."—Anna Humphreys For those of us at Calm Birth meditation that have been working on this Calm Abortion project, it is our hope that these meditations help to invite healing for whoever chooses to listen, no matter how long ago they experienced an abortion for any reason or circumstance.Learn more about the Calm Abortion meditations at Instagram @calmabortion and Facebook @calmabortionResources:ACOG (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) Statement on Abortion BansWorld Health Organization's statement on abortionEvidence Based Birth: Abortion Research Resource GuideGrief After Abortion: healing from unspoken loss
Michelle shares the first of 3 meditations intended for healing during or after an abortion. This first meditation, Connect, is based on the Tibetan Buddhist practice of Vase Breathing or Complete Breathing. It's an invitation to tune into the body, recognize the tendencies of the mind, and release unwanted or intrusive thoughts. It teaches the listener to return to their breath when their thoughts are not serving them. The benefits of this meditation extend beyond healing after an abortion. This type of breathing helps with anxiety, depression, managing stress, improving focus, better sleep, and faster recovery from exercise or exertion. Slow breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, also called the “rest and digest” system. It activates the vagus nerve which oversees things like mood, digestion, and heart rate. It will also send more oxygen to the brain and other organs. This practice is meant to be used throughout life.For those of us at Calm Birth meditation that have been working on this Calm Abortion project, it is our hope that these meditations help to invite healing for whoever chooses to listen, no matter how long ago they experienced an abortion for any reason or circumstance."Abortion is the medical term for the ending of a pregnancy, whether that is a spontaneous miscarriage or medically induced. This term encompasses the termination of all pregnancies. I realize and want to acknowledge that even the term abortion can be quite triggering, especially for someone that has experienced pregnancy and infant loss. And, in my experience of working in the perinatal field for over 20 years and holding a space for grief and trauma with my clients, the ending of a pregnancy has never been taken lightly. I carry their stories with me. Stories of relief, ectopic pregnancy, forced abortion, intense grief and pain when their baby in the womb will not live once they are born and/or will be living in extreme pain for their short life, twin to twin transfer, a mixture of sadness and relief when ending a pregnancy they were unprepared or happened at a difficult time in their life, guilt and shame, feelings of not deserving the baby they are now pregnant with, the belief that they had a miscarriage because they terminated a pregnancy, the decision to end a wanted pregnancy because their partner is abusive and she needs to leave the relationship before she and her other child are killed. Abortion is a part of perinatal loss and bereavement. And as Sunni has shared in our episodes, adoption is not an easy answer or quick fix. There are so many vulnerable and intimate stories that I have been entrusted with and honor fully. "—MichelleLearn more about the Calm Abortion meditations at Instagram @calmabortion and Facebook @calmabortionResources:ACOG (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) Statement on Abortion BansWorld Health Organization's statement on abortionEvidence Based Birth: Abortion Research Resource GuideGrief After Abortion: healing from unspoken loss
World Breastfeeding Week 2022 is August 1-7 and to celebrate Michelle shares the Calm Birth prenatal meditation childbirth program's Calm Parents Meditation for breastfeeding. This meditation is a part of the Calm Parent's collection of postpartum meditations which includes versions of this Breath Feeding meditation- whether that is breastfeeding, pumping, bottle feeding, or chestfeeding. Feeding a new baby can have its joys and its challenges. Breath Feeding helps parents appreciate that they have everything they need to nourish their child. Even if things aren't going by the book, this meditation reminds parents that they have so much more than food to sustain their baby: you have limitless, life-giving energy, and a warm, nurturing body that their baby needs. Focusing on your breath relaxes you and relaxes your baby. The Calm Parent's collection of meditations also includes Energy Breathing- to help center and restore energy; Calm Parent- a progressive relaxation for rest, sleep, and restoration; Calm with Baby- to bond with your baby, especially useful after a stressful time such as when your baby has been crying relentlessly; and Practice of Healing- compassionate breathing for postpartum healing. You can find out more about Calm Parents in Episode 80 of this podcast. You can purchase the Calm Birth and Calm Parents Meditations at www.calmbirth.orgConnect with Calm Birth: Facebook: @CalmBirthMethodInstagram: @calm.birth (Calm Birth Meditation) Connect with Michelle Smith:Virtual Classes or Sessions with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-education, Facebook: Birth Ease, The Birth Ease PodcastInstagram: @birtheasemichellesmithYouTube: Birth EaseLinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle SmithThank you for listening!
Well hello there, welcome to our 100th episode of the FitNest Mama Podcast!I'm really excited by today's episode, because, for something a bit different, I am going to discuss my 3 biggest takeaways from doing these 100 podcast episodes.So from all the guest speakers we've had on board, I am going to share my 3 biggest ‘ah ha' moments.My first key take-away relates to vaginal birth, and also caesarean births.Second key take-away is for c-section mamas, whether it is emergency or elective.And third key take-away discusses the recovery aspect, so there is something for everyone, whether or not you are pregnant, or you are a new mum.Podcast episodes discussed in this episode:2: Induction & Childbirth with midwife Beth Ryan, otherwise known as Birth with Beth.12: Calmbirth with midwife: Lauretta Hamilton30: Hypnobirthing for a caesarean birth Vanessa Bernard42: Hypnobirthing with Rosie Purdue72: Maternal Assisted Caesarean BirthsLINKS:100 Podcast / 2nd Birthday Celebrations: Free Baby Pack (available until 24/7/22, with 6 monthly memberships)FitNest Mama WebsiteFitNest Mama Instagram
In today's episode I talk through my 5 top tips for creating a calm, relaxing birth environment. If you have benefitted from this podcast and would like to say thanks, you can now buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thenurturenest View my courses here https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thenurturenest Buy my Essentials Course here https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thenurturenest/570651 View my birthy book recommendations here https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/influencer-e2ad919d Follow me on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/the_nurture_nest/ Follow me on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thenurturenesthypno Get 10% off your birth pool here https://go.referralcandy.com/share/CNCVTQZ Get 10% off a BabyCare TENS Machine. USE CODE 10NURTURENEST http://babycaretens.com?afmc=46 To purchase the Birth Time documentary with 20% off follow this link and use code CICADA20 at the checkout https://www.birthtime.world/a/2147503089/WoUN24YQ
Michelle is a certified Calm Birth Teacher. She explains the Calm Birth meditation practices and shares samples of the audio guides the organization designed for pregnancy and infant loss. "The loss of a pregnancy or infant is an incredibly common heartbreak. Yet, we are given so few opportunities to grieve a loss that is often invisible to those around us. Calm Birth for Pregnancy and Infant Loss presents an opportunity to move through emotions and to send life on its way with love. If someone you know has lost a pregnancy or infant, this can be a beautiful way of supporting them through this journey. If you lost a pregnancy or infant recently, or in the past, please use these audioguides for healing and moving about life changed but still whole."—Calm BirthResources:Calm Birth Meditations for Pregnancy Loss https://www.calmbirth.org/audioguidesProgressive Relaxation for Grief: https://www.futurity.org/grief-progressive-muscle-relaxation-2617232TONGLEN MEDITATION by Pema Chödrön: https://youtu.be/QwqlurCvXuM Connect with Rev. Michelle:Website: BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook: Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram: @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle SmithThank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief.
You know when life throws in the wrench? How do you respond? We can dwell on it and fret about it, or we can feel it and move on. Let's talk about it so next time you can respond in a better way to move forward.This podcast is for everyone! Get my Calm Pregnancy, Calm Birth mini course HEREhttps://www.unfoldmotherhood.com/calmbirth
Michelle has a conversation with Stephanie Smith, E-RYT, PRYT regarding the benefits of yoga for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and beyond in this special replay episode. Stephanie explains how yoga not only prepares the physical body for the stress and rigors of birth but the emotional body as well. She explains the connection between our breath and the reduction of the flight/flight stress response. Stephanie shares how her yoga practice helped her to set healthy boundaries with others during her pregnancy and keep a sense of ease and calm when her plans for her daughter's birth did not go as she had envisioned. Together, they discuss how yoga can prepare, protect, and enhance the healing of our pelvic floor during the childbearing year. She also shares the benefits of a Yoga Nidra practice, which is especially vital after the baby's birth as it invokes the relaxation response and turns on the parasympathetic nervous system—the rest and restore part of our nervous system.“That is what the beauty of that yoga practice is, that deeper connection within, where you can just feel the experience, there's no thinking at all that is required.” — Stephanie SmithIf you enjoyed this interview, and want to hear more from Stephanie please go to episode 86 and learn more about breath and meditation, please go to my series on Calm Birth episodes 76- 80. Stephanie's and my episode is number 86. Also, I am also so excited to share that the pelvic health specialist that I refer to in this episode as we discuss the connection between our voice and our pelvic floor is Susan Clinton. I was honored to have Susan as a guest on the podcast. Our episode is number 69 and it is a part of my series on pelvic floor health. If you haven't listened to this series, 68- 75 I highly encourage you to check out episodes. This information is invaluable. So much of what we are told is a normal part of pregnancy and postpartum is not normal. It is simply common and there is help for leaking urine, low back pain, painful sex, a weakened core, and a too tight or too weak pelvic floor. Stephanie offers private virtual yoga classes, so please find her information here in the show notes to work with her no matter where you are listening to this podcast from in the world. About Stephanie Smith, E-RYT, PRYT:Stephanie is an Orlando based Yoga Instructor specializing in Pre and Postnatal Yoga. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Central Florida and is an E-RYT, PRYT Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance. Her love of Yoga and travel has taken her to Thailand numerous times where she has had the privilege of studying Yoga extensively at Centered Yoga. As a mother herself, Stephanie has an understanding of how the Yoga practice evolves both during pregnancy and postpartum. She strives to create an environment of support for fellow Mothers to know that they are not alone on the beautiful, yet sometimes rocky, journey that is Motherhood. Connect with Stephanie Smith: Instagram: @thetravelingyoginiFacebook: Stephanie Smith https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003339931011 Connect with Michelle Smith:Virtual Classes or Sessions with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-education, birtheasehypnobirth.com/hypnobirthing-classes-orlando-michelleFacebook: Birth Ease, The Birth Ease Podcast, Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram: @birtheasemichellesmith, @birtheaselossssupportYouTube: Birth EaseLinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle SmithWebsite: BirthEaseServices.com birtheasehypnobirth.com
“Unfortunately over the years birth has become so medicalised. Birth is not a medical event. It can become a medical event. When it does, we have all the help in the world.” Seeing crap or misinformation around birthing was a huge motivation for Melissa to take on the role as a clinical hypnotherapist. This gave her the ability to help people feel empowered throughout the birthing process. We had four sessions with Melissa in the lead up to our firstborn and the process was incredible. I felt calm from the moment my wife started to feel the “surges” (contractions) to the moment our son was born. My wife Taneal couldn’t speak highly enough of the classes we had with Melissa. The tools we were given have helped us in different areas of our life. A lot of the mental applications that Melissa talks about are relatable to me because it applies in the sporting world - how to deal with pain, visualization, meditation, belief, trusting yourself. All are key in helping you perform at your best. We chat: Clinical hypnotherapy - focused attention and mindfulness has a great ability to help the birthing process. How she used visualization to help her get appearances with major media outlets throughout Australia - Sunrise, Today Show and many others. Hypnosis for dealing with pain - especially while birthing. Your subconscious beliefs control your behaviour, which controls your motivation which becomes your reality. Using self-hypnosis leading up to major events. Vision boards to help you get what you want. Ways to improve your study time and how to retain more information. Getting a hold of your flight or fight response. You have to see it, hear it, say it and feel it consistently over a long period of time for it to come true - whatever that dream may be. Your mind is like a computer. You need to shut it down every night completely so it can have a full rest. Watching negativity, the news etc, before sleep will keep the computer on all night which results in overheating and stress. To get in touch with Melissa visit: https://www.facebook.com/hypnobirthingaustralia https://hypnobirthingaustralia.com.au “The Hypnobirthing Australia program is uniquely designed for Australian mothers and their birthing partners. Hypnobirthing Australia classes prepare you with the knowledge, confidence and tools you need to birth calmly. Birth can, and should be a positive experience - one that you will always want to remember.” About David Mead David Mead has played professional rugby league for 13 years. Spending time with other athletes, coaches and football staff has given him great insight into how the sport is played at a high level. He wants to use insights and stories from these people as well as from his experience to inspire and to empower the youth. He believes in "leaving the place better than you found it." This podcast will help him and others do just that. Connect with David and follow him on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.mead.94 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmead411/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidmead411 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mead-7604b986/ Website: www.davidmead.com.au Producer: Jason Strozkiy (@strozkiymedia) www.strozkiymedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Midwife Elena Rosa shares with Michelle the history and benefits of Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy in this special replay episode. Together they discuss how each person's reproductive journey is their own, how the state of fight or flight affects the body, the connection between the heart and the uterus, deep healing, and following the lead of your heart. "And just thinking about the grief and what we're told how we're supposed to be as women, what we're supposed to accept, what we're supposed to receive, what we're not allowed to stand up for, what we're not allowed to make boundaries for. You know, what we allow to happen to us because we feel like we're powerless. … But just processing what boundaries we're encouraged to have, but we're not encouraged to have. Like we're not allowed to speak up for ourselves. Like what we allow into our space, what is forced into our space. What is what we're allowed to grieve over. You know, there's so many things that we hold onto in our bodies."—Elena RosaAbout Elena Rosa:Elena is a practicing licensed midwife, an Advanced Arvigo Practitioner, and a retired licensed massage therapist based in Central Florida. As a woman of Puerto Rican descent who has lived throughout the Northeast and Southern regions of the US, Elena sees herself as a US citizen by birth, but a global citizen by responsibility.Elena feels there is no more profound challenge than the mastery of self. The pursuit of the limitless is one of personal growth and spirituality…cultivating self-care, self-awareness, and self-love. Elena had an interest in indigenous medicine since childhood. Elena has sought out personal mentors from North and South American traditions and Tibetan Buddhism. Having participated in countless prayer and meditation ceremonies and her own deep work has provided humility, depth, space for healing herself and others, and an ongoing practice of peacemaking.Most of all, she is the proud mother of a sweet girl who has taught her more about what her body and her heart are capable of than anyone she has ever met. Pregnancy, labor, and motherhood have brought no shortage of lessons in accepting all expected and unexpected challenges. What these experiences taught her is that she is an informed woman who knows her body, and she has all the information she needs to make the right decision for her and her child. This affirming gift is Elena's wish for every family she serves. Connect with Elena Rosa:Website: https://mykindredmidwife.com/Tree Of Life Birth Center: https://www.tolbirth.com/Facebook: Elena RosaResources:https://arvigotherapy.com/
In this episode I talk with Lindsey, a twin mom who recently had her 3rd baby. Lindsey is also a postpartum nurse, so she has a very interesting perspective on her experience. She talks about the trauma of having her twins in the NICU, how she worked toward healing and how her second birth was everything she did not know she needed. We deep dive into postpartum depression and preparing for postpartum in a way that is more about caring for you and less about what you think you need on your baby registry. Get my free course, Calm Pregnancy, Calm Birth herehttp://unfoldmotherhood.com/calmbirthLearn more about my services at UnfoldMotherhood.com
Did you know that there are simple things you can do right now to have less aches and pains and to help position your baby and balance your body so you can have a shorter easier labor? In this episode I discuss simple steps you can take to find more ease in pregnancy and in birth. Check out the show notes HERE: https://www.unfoldmotherhood.com/blog/episode13Get my free Calm Pregnancy, Calm Birth course HERE:https://www.unfoldmotherhood.com/calmbirth
Martina is a Mum of 3 crazy, fun, loving and uber cheeky kids! She is a midwife, runs Calmbirth courses, and has just completed her IBCLC certification. She offers her full spectrum services through her business, Hey Baby! Birth & Breastfeeding Support. In this episode Martina shares the stories of her three beautiful homebirths and her breastfeeding journey through her baby raising years. She brings a unique perspective through her expertise in all things birth and breastfeeding! Martina recommends: Birth with Confidence by Rhea Dempsey. Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering by Sarah Buckley. Give Birth like a Feminist by Milli Hill. The Midwives Cauldron podcast The Aware Parenting Podcast And this Episode of Rockstar Birth Magazine with Sarah Buckley: https://podtail.com/da/podcast/rockstar-birth-radio/ep02-dr-sarah-buckley-undisturbed-birth/ You can find Martina on instagram here. Support Keep Birth Wild on Patreon here.
Greetings from Tasmania! Today I chat with Tasmania's one and only CalmBirth educator, Cherie Chugg. Cherie began as a doula but quickly identified that supporting women as a doula was not enough. She wanted to reach a wider group of people and wanted to teach more couples about how to be prepared for childbirth. Cherie knew from her own personal experience that having an understanding of what was going to be happening in her own body helped eliminate any fears around childbirth. She was fortunate enough to have an amazing midwife that spent time with her every month explaining and teaching the things Cherie needed to know to prepare for birth. Cherie also had people beside her that understood what was going on and they could support, encourage and believe in her through the process. Calmbirth teaches this, it gives the women & her partner the knowledge they need to feel calm during the preparation time and the tools for when the time comes.Find out more about Fill Your Cup: World's First Biochemist Led Doula Villagewww.ifillyourcup.comInstagram @FillYourCup_
Welcome to episode 12 of Unfold into Motherhood. Today we are going to talk about how important it is to advocate for yourself in pregnancy, birth and beyond. Having a baby is an empowering experience but it is also very vulnerable and it is important to know how to advocate for yourself confidently. Get my free Calm Pregnancy, Calm Birth mini course HERE: https://www.unfoldmotherhood.com/calmbirthWant to find out how we can work together to help you have a better pregnancy and birth? Email me at hello@unfoldmotherhood.com to schedule a free consultation
Michelle and Naima Bond discuss the experience of supporting families through pregnancy and infant loss as doulas. Naima shares her own story of pregnancy loss and how that inspired her to do additional training in perinatal loss as she became a birth professional. Naima explains some of the challenges that African American families can face in receiving compassionate care, understanding, and support when they are experiencing perinatal loss. She also shares tips for grieving families and for those supporting them. "So that's what I would say. The support of people who truly love you and just knowing, fortunately, or unfortunately, that other people are going through the same thing; and, that you are not alone [makes a difference]."—Naima BondAbout Naima Bond:Naima Bond, M.Ed. has been serving children and families for over 25 years in the area of early childhood and disabilities. She has recently shifted her focus to supporting mothers through the birthing process. She is a certified Birth Doula with the Matron and is also going through her DONA certification. She has been associated with Calm Birth and completed the program in 2017 and then became a Calm Birth teacher trainer in 2019. Naima was brought up with meditation as a child. She learned about Calm Birth through APPPAH and knew it was a practice she wanted to include in her birth business. She supports families in her private practice and is assisting Calm Birth in teaching Calm Birth to other birth and wellness practitioners. She resides in Atlanta Ga. with her sons Mashante and LaParish.Connect with Naima Bond: Website: http://www.oyabirthandwellnesss.com/Email: Oyabirthandwellness@gmail.comInstagram: @naimadanita Resources:https://sistersinloss.com/https://rtzhope.org/https://blackmamasmatter.org/https://4kira4moms.com/ Nneka Hall: https://pailadvocates.mypixieset.com/about/https://www.annaya.org/about-us/nneka-hallNenka Hall's PAIL Summit 2021:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/advocating-pregnancy-and-infant-loss-conference-october-2021-tickets-172272059367 Episodes mentioned: Gary Vogel S1 E11 & E12, Diana Kelley S1 E7, and Amy Wright Glenn S1 E18. Connect with Rev. Michelle:Website: BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook: Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram: @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle SmithThank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief.
Patrice and her partner had planned an Italy holiday as the 'last holiday' before hopefully starting a family. Sadly, their trip was cancelled due to COVID, and so they began trying for a family. They had a few anxieties around trying, due to an earlier agreed termination at the very start of their relationship and all the misconceptions around termination affecting future chances to conceive. Patrice and her partner were delighted to have fallen pregnant straight away, so that theory did not prove true certainly in their case!Being a triplet, Patrice heard alarm bells when her doctor told her she had quite high levels of the pregnancy hormone Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), thinking she might be carrying multiples. It was in fact just the one, and after a relatively easy 9 month pregnancy Teddy made his way into the world.…but not as Patrice had 'planned'. After doing the Calm Birth course (hypnobirthing), Patrice and her partner were set on having a natural vaginal delivery. She successfully laboured at home and went in at almost 6cms dilated. All was going well until the babies heart rate kept dropping and Patrice was rushed in for an emergency C-section to get him out safely.Though Patrice felt initially like having a C-section was a failure, and felt failed by some of the midwives during her post birth care, she was relieved he was here safely and that once home she got to enjoy the newborn bubble of love. She also realised having a C-section was the first lesson of many that you cannot plan with a baby!Patrice SWORE BY her TENS machine during labour, and would highly recommend getting one.We speak about how anything with a new baby is such a steep learning curve, and just when you feel like you're getting the swing of things, you hit another milestone that needs some adaptation.Patrice talks about her return to work and really looking forward to getting that part of her life back, but again recognises there will be some changes to get used to. She also mentions her concern about the infamous 'baby brain', not to be confused with early onset dementia, and also the annoying post birth hair loss… the joys! Join me for this fantastic story filled with the inevitable ups and downs of pregnancy, birth and becoming a new Mumma, and a huge thank you to Patrice for opening up about her journey!And remember you are not alone; it's OK to not be OK. We're in this together and Mumma, YOU got this!Be sure to hit subscribe to hear future episodes, or share with a friend. Otherwise, if you'd like to share your story, send me a DM via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newmummapodcast Calm Birth: https://calmbirth.com.au/TENS machine: https://tensmachinesaustralia.com.au/DISCLAIMER:Please note this podcast depicts personal accounts of pregnancy, birth and motherhood. The views expressed are my own and are those of my guests, as such should not be relied upon for educational or medical advice purposes. The content included is not a substitute for health advice by a professional. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
In this episode we dive into how fears effect the birth process and how to tackle them before birth so you can have an easier, faster, less painful and more enjoyable birth experience. Learn exactly how to reduce fears as you move toward birthing your baby. Because you deserve to have the best birth experience possible. But you have to do some work to get there. View show notes HERE: https://www.unfoldmotherhood.com/blog/episode8Get my Free Calm Pregnancy, Calm Birth mini course HERE: https://www.unfoldmotherhood.com/calmbirth
Your care provider will imprint your entire pregnancy and birth experience and that is why it is important to find the right one. In this episode I share some tips and inspiration to help you find the care provider that is right for you.Find show notes and resources here : https://www.unfoldmotherhood.com/blog/episode7 Pregnant and looking for even more support and guidance? Check out my free Calm Pregnancy, Calm Birth mini course HERE. https://www.unfoldmotherhood.com/calmbirth
In this episode I deep dive into the basics of the pelvic floor, why it matters for everyone and share 2 actionable tips to help you have a healthier pelvic floor and full body health. Find episode notes here. Get my free mini course, Calm Pregnancy, Calm Birth
Michelle shares the benefits of birth affirmations and provides tips on how to use them during pregnancy. She also discusses the possibility of certain birth affirmations unintentionally creating trauma for someone if the birth doesn't go as planned. Michelle then concludes the episode with recorded birth affirmations that can be used during pregnancy to prepare for birth and parenthood. "There is a part of us that does hold wisdom. Our body has a wisdom. And unfortunately, we have been taught through our culture essentially not to trust ourself, not to listen to our body. That there is an outside authority that knows more than you. … But there is a wisdom within our body, within ourselves that we can return to."—Michelle Smith Resources:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/toxic-positivity#riskshttps://positivepsychology.com/daily-affirmations/ Connect with Michelle Smith:Classes with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-education, birtheasehypnobirth.com/hypnobirthing-classes-orlando-michelleFacebook: Birth Ease, The Birth Ease Podcast, Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram: @birtheasemichellesmith, @birtheaselossssupportYouTube: Birth EaseLinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle SmithWebsite: BirthEaseServices.com birtheasehypnobirth.com
Prenatal yoga can have a huge impact on your pregnancy, birth and postpartum. In this episode we talk about how prenatal yoga can change your entire pregnancy and birth experience. You can try a short prenatal practice in my free Calm Pregnancy, Calm Birth mini course. Find your show notes here. www.unfoldmotherhood.com/podcast
Michelle and Donna Seegers Abler, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Pregnancy & Newborn Consultant, and Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology Educator, discuss the awareness and consciousness of babies. Donna shares amazing stories from her experience with babies in NICU. Together they explore how birth can impact babies and the implications of some of the protocols and practices within the medical system. Donna provides suggestions for parents to help support their baby in the NICU. Donna also shares about her new book, "Love me In: A Sacred Pregnancy Journal" which reflects leading-edge principles from the field of prenatal and perinatal psychology. It is a beautifully written and illustrated journal that guides expecting parents inward on a conscious journey through reflection, meditation, and heart-based practices. It is intended to empower self-connection to grow and nurture a healthy womb environment, giving babies their best start."As expecting parents, we have the power to go back to our innate spiritual selves and be a part of this bringing babies in, in a more complete way." —Donna Seegers AblerNotes:"In a different paper published by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (or RCOG, the United Kingdom's equivalent of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or ACOG), they stated that it is possible induction may decrease the risk of stillbirth in older women. Using data from the United Kingdom, the authors estimated that if all pregnant people in the U.K. age 40 and older were induced at 39 weeks instead of 41 weeks, it would prevent 17 stillbirths per year. It would take 9,350 inductions at 39 weeks to prevent one stillbirth, and 4,750 inductions at 40 weeks to prevent seven stillbirths. (RCOG, 2013)." Evidence Based Birthhttps://evidencebasedbirth.com/advanced-maternal-age/ About Donna Seegers Abler:Donna Seegers Abler, OTR/L, PPNE, earned a BS in occupational therapy from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, WI in 1984. She graduated from APPPAH Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology Certification Program in June 2019. She is a prenatal and perinatal psychology educator and is a trained instructor in Calm Birth Childbirth Program.She has a background in preterm neonatal intensive care unit experience and infant development and combines years of researched-based medical background in sensory integration, reflex integration, neurodevelopment, infant massage, and Healing Touch for Babies with leading-edge prenatal and perinatal psychology, heart rhythm meditation, and healing practices.Donna has been shaped through her own in utero experience and birth story; through consciously conceiving, carrying and miscarrying a baby; through raising three beautiful and thriving young adult daughters; through an expansive professional career; and through a rich life journey as a daughter, sister, aunt, mother, wife, soul sister, guide, teacher and friend to many. Connect with Donna Seegers Abler:Website: https://www.donnaseegersabler.com/Facebook: @Donna Seegers AblerInstagram: @donnaseegersablerConnect with Michelle Smith:Classes with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-education, birtheasehypnobirth.com/hypnobirthing-classes-orlando-michelleFacebook: Birth Ease, The Birth Ease Podcast, Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram: @birtheasemichellesmith, @birtheaselossssupportYouTube: Birth EaseLinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle SmithWebsite: BirthEaseServices.com birtheasehypnobirth.com Thank you for listening!
Pregnancy can feel really overwhelming. If it does, know that you are not alone. In this episode we will discuss some pregnancy myths that might be leaving you feeling confused or even a little guilty. Learn how to manage the stress and emotions that can come with being pregnant. Find show notes here: unfoldmotherhood.com/podcastGet my free mini course, Calm Pregnancy, Calm Birth
Your birth matters more than you think! So what can you do to have a better experienceand how can you avoid the common pitfalls? In this episode we dive into: Why your birth mattersWhy and how you need to prepare for birthMy whyThe mistakes I made with my first birth, so you don't make them tooShow notes and my free Calm Pregnancy, Calm Birth mini course can be found here
In this conversation, Dr Sarah Buckley, Ms Karen McClay and Dr Pamela Douglas discuss what you might do to prepare for birth, and what you might expect. In the extraordinary passageway of birth, our mind, body, and spirit embark upon a liminal journey, a heroic journey of great significance in most women's lives. Sarah and Karen draw on their formidable knowledge of the Australian health system and women's birth experiences to help you navigate your own way through, so that you feel confident and empowered. Dr Sarah Buckley is a GP with qualifications in GP-obstetrics and family planning (www.sarahbuckley.com). She is author of the bestselling book http://www.sarahbuckley.com/gentle-birth-gentle-mothering/ (Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: A Doctor's Guide to Natural Childbirth and Gentle Early Parenting Choices). Sarah has an ongoing interest in the hormones of labour and birth, which culminated in her groundbreaking report http://transform.childbirthconnection.org/reports/physiology/ (Hormonal Physiology of Childbearing )(2015 Childbirth Connection, a program of the National Partnership for Women and Families). She has presented at over 120 workshops and conferences in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the UK, the US and Canada. Sarah is also a PhD candidate at the https://www.uq.edu.au/ (University of Queensland,) where her research is focused on oxytocin and the autonomic nervous system in labour and birth, and the impacts of interventions. Ms Karen McClay is an experienced midwife and the Director of Calmbirth (http://www.calmbirth.com.au/ (www.calmbirth.com.au)). Calmbirth was the first Australian childbirth education program to recognise the interrelationship between mind and body in birth. Calmbirth® uses this mind-body connection to help couples replace fear, stress and anxiety about giving birth with the knowledge and skills to birth their baby calmly, fearlessly, safely and confidently. There are now about 100 registered Calmbirth educators in Australia, New Zealand, and France. Dr Pamela Douglas is a GP-researcher and https://education.possumsonline.com/ (founder of the evidence-based Neuroprotective Developmental Care (or 'Possums') programs) http://www.possumsonline.com/ (www.possumsonline.com), which offer care for new families facing breastfeeding, baby cry-fuss, and sleep challenges. All NDC programs integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy strategies, especially adapted by Possums for the perinatal period to support parental emotional well-being. Pam is also author of https://www.amazon.com.au/Discontented-Little-Baby-Book-ebook/dp/B00M6G1ABO (The discontented little baby book: all you need to know about feeds, sleep, and crying). Support this podcast
In this episode, Michelle completes her series exploring the different childbirth methods that she teaches: Calm Birth - meditation based childbirth; Hypnobirth - hypnosis assisted childbirth, and The Birth Ease Method - guided relaxation focused childbirth. Over the years parents have shared how much their children have enjoyed listening to the audio recordings as they fall asleep. With this in mind, Michelle shares a special nighttime sleep story for children that she wrote and recorded for a little girl named Ava. As a gentle reminder, please avoid listening to this nighttime sleep story while engaging in an activity that requires your or your child's full attention. Please stop the podcast and return to it when your child is safely tucked into bed and ready for sleep. Unless your child, or you as the passenger, are listening to this guided relaxation with headphones on, for everyone's safety never play it while riding in or driving a vehicle. This bedtime sleep story is copyright of Michelle Smith and Birth Ease. The background music 'Nature Angels' is used with permission of Eitan Epstein Music and Melody Loops and its licensees. If you would like a copy of this sleep story, please reach out to Michelle via her website. Thank you for listening!Connect with Michelle Smith:Website: BirthEaseServices.comClasses with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-education, birtheasehypnobirth.comFacebook: Birth Ease, The Birth Ease Podcast, Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram: @birtheasemichellesmith, @birtheaselossssupportYouTube: Birth Ease
In this episode of Michelle's series on Hypnobirth, Michelle invites Stephanie Smith back to the podcast. Stephanie has over 20 years of experience as an E-RYT, PRYT Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, and as a student of meditation. Together they have a casual conversation regarding the benefits, similarities, and differences of hypnobirthing/hypnosis and the Calm Birth Meditation practices. What to hear more from Stephanie? She shares her expertise on perinatal yoga in episode 4 of the podcast.“I like to look at the meditation practice as one that is kinda helping to heal at the cellular level, whereas the hypnosis or the hypnobirthing practice is working to heal at that subconscious and that unconscious level. And, there's benefits to both. And you know, it's really, too, about finding what's gonna connect for you in that moment.”—Stephanie SmithAbout Stephanie Smith, E-RYT, PRYT:Stephanie is an Orlando based Yoga Instructor specializing in Pre and Postnatal Yoga. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Central Florida and is an E-RYT, PRYT Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance. Her love of Yoga and travel has taken her to Thailand numerous times where she has had the privilege of studying Yoga extensively at Centered Yoga. As a mother herself, Stephanie has an understanding of how the Yoga practice evolves both during pregnancy and postpartum. She strives to create an environment of support for fellow Mothers to know that they are not alone on the beautiful, yet sometimes rocky, journey that is Motherhood. Connect with Stephanie Smith: Instagram: @thetravelingyoginiFacebook: Stephanie Smith Recommended Resource: The Dance of Parenting by Natasha SolovieffEpisodes 14 & 38 of the podcastConnect with Michelle Smith:Classes with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-education, birtheasehypnobirth.comFacebook: Birth Ease, The Birth Ease Podcast, Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram: @birtheasemichellesmith, @birtheaselossssupportYouTube: Birth EaseLinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle SmithWebsite: BirthEaseServices.com
In this last episode of Michelle's series on the Calm Birth meditation program, Naima Bond shares with Michelle what brought her to Calm Birth and her journey to becoming a Calm Birth Teacher Trainer. Together they discuss the extreme value and flexibility of Calm Birth's Calm Parents meditations for postpartum and beyond. These meditations consist of Calm Parent, Calm with Baby, Breathfeeding, Energy Breathing, and Practice of Healing. Naima also stresses the importance of parents creating a plan for the postpartum period after the birth.*As a note, the breathfeeding meditation will soon be available in four different audio guides depending upon a parent's needs &/or preferences: breastfeeding, pumping milk, bottle feeding, and chestfeeding. "If you saw benefits while you were pregnant of using the Calm Birth meditations and through labor, then let's make this a part of how you are raising children. Like how beneficial do you think that will be as the children get older to understand and be able to utilize this practice? Especially again, you know, post COVID we have no idea what that world's gonna look like.”—Naima BondAbout Naima Bond:Naima Bond, M.Ed. has been serving children and families for over 25 years in the area of early childhood and disabilities. She has recently shifted her focus to supporting mothers through the birthing process. She is a certified Birth Doula with the Matron and is also going through her DONA certification. She has been associated with Calm Birth and completed the program in 2017 and then became a Calm Birth teacher trainer in 2019. Naima was brought up with meditation as a child. She learned about Calm Birth through APPPAH and knew it was a practice she wanted to include in her birth business. She supports families in her private practice and is assisting Calm Birth in teaching Calm Birth to other birth and wellness practitioners. She resides in Atlanta Ga. with her sons Mashante and LaParish.Resource:https://www.buildyournestworkbook.com/ Connect with Naima Bond: Website: http://www.oyabirthandwellnesss.com/Instagram: @naimadanita Connect with Calm Birth:Website: http://www.calmbirth.org/Instagram: @calm.birth Facebook: Calm Birth Connect with Michelle Smith:Classes with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-educationFacebook: Birth Ease, The Birth Ease PodcastInstagram: @birtheasemichellesmithYouTube: Birth EaseLinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle SmithWebsite: BirthEaseServices.com
In this next episode in Michelle's series on the Calm Birth meditation program, Adrienne Bergthold returns to explain the foundational practice of Calm Birth: Womb Breathing. She shares her serendipitous journey of how Calm Birth found her. Adrienne elaborates on the history of Womb Breathing and what distinguishes Calm Birth from other birth meditation practices. She clarifies the benefits of meditation and the ways in which Womb Breathing can assist us to recognize fear when it shows up without identifying with it. She stresses the importance of differentiating mind from awareness. Together they discuss why the practice of Womb Breathing is invaluable for parent and child, and how the practice embodies true self-care. "Our children are looking to us for calm. And so, if we don't know how to bring ourselves to calm in this age of anxiety, how will our children know?" —Adrienne Bergthold About Adrienne Bergthold: Adrienne Adrienne Bergthold is a married 53 year old mother of two children, ages 32 and 16 years old. A California native now living in Baltimore, Maryland who has been practicing as a medical massage therapist, yoga teacher, and doula for almost 30 years as well as a Calm Birth teacher-instructor. Adrienne says, "Teaching about the breath and meditation is the heart and foundation of all I teach, which is why Calm Birth was the perfect fit for me when I found it almost 16 years ago. My love for Calm Birth has only grown more deeply. It is my heart's work to help others live in their bodies and to give birth in loving awareness, in peace, in calm."Connect with Adrienne Bergthold: Email: adriennebergthold@verizon.netWebsite: http://www.baltimorebirthandmassage.com/ Connect with Calm Birth:Website: http://www.calmbirth.org/Instagram: @calm.birth Facebook: Calm Birth Connect with Michelle Smith:Classes with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-educationFacebook: Birth Ease, The Birth Ease Podcast, Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram: @birtheasemichellesmith, @birtheaselossssupportYouTube: Birth EaseLinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle SmithWebsite: BirthEaseServices.com
In this episode Ashley shares the birth stories of her two children Zoe and Piper. During her first pregnancy Ashley put a lot of thought into what she would like her birth to look like and after attending a Calmbirth course, planned an unmedicated and low intervention hospital birth. Zoe's labour was long and Ashley laboured for days without sleep before finally delivering Zoe in hospital with the aid of an episiotomy. It took a while for her to integrate the emotional impact of her birth and challenging postpartum, and it wasn't until she fell pregnant again that she realised she wanted to do things differently for her next birth. She engaged private midwives for her planned homebirth and spent a lot of time preparing for labour. Ashley was diagnosed with an irritable uterus during her pregnancy with Piper so she talks about the challenges of enduring that regular discomfort throughout her pregnancy. She goes on to describe in detail her beautiful homebirth and slow supported postpartum. Books Ashley recommends; Well Adjusted Babies - Dr Jennifer Barham-Floreani Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and Spiritual Midwifery - Ina May Gaskin Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering - Dr Sarah Buckley Birth with Confidence - Rhea Dempsey The First Forty Days - Heng Ou Group B Strep Explained - Sara Wickham Vitamin K and the Newborn - Sara Wickham Your Birth, Your Baby - Hollie de Cruz Hypnobirthing Australia audio tracks and ebook Calmbirth Antenatal course Flourish Integrative Health https://flourishintegrativehealthco.com.au/
In this next episode in Michelle's series on the Calm Birth meditation program, Anna Humphreys shares her journey to becoming the director of Calm Birth and the altruistic vision behind it. Calm Birth is based in advanced meditation traditions of the Tibetan Nyingma lineage. The Calm Birth practices are evidence-based, non-religious, and rooted in ancient wisdom. These practices are grounded in time-tested techniques perfect for these modern times. Together, these practices teach parents to breathe completely, rest deeply, deepen their bond with their baby, and heal themselves and the world. Anna explains two of these foundational Calm Birth practices: Practice of Opening and Giving & Receiving. "Because when everything else is in doubt, when you don't know what your birth is going to look like, when you don't know what your support is going to look like during that experience, you'll be able to carry this empowering technique that based in breath, that's embodied into any situation, into any unknown. And that's… the power of Calm Birth in the face of crisis."—Anna Humphreys About Anna Humphreys:Inspired by her mother's birth photography, Anna became a birth doula in 2012, and started teaching Calm Birth around the same time. She worked with private clients as well as on-call as a volunteer in hospitals in Southern Oregon. There, she saw Calm Birth help birth-givers stay connected with their bodies and their babies before, during, and after birth. She attended the University of Washington in Seattle for a dual Masters in Social Work and Public Health to focus on learning about systemic racism, the impacts of poverty and inequality on health, and how the climate crisis impacts us now and in the future. At the same time, she was facilitating Calm Birth Teacher trainings, recording new meditations, helping her husband build the app, and running the administrative side of things.At the end of graduate school, she accepted the position of Director of Calm Birth. She committed to applying what she learned about inequities in the healthcare system to my work in this program. This includes working towards being an anti-racist organization, guaranteeing access to classes, materials, and teacher trainings, and working with other birth-related organizations to approach anti-racism from a systems-level perspective. As the child of meditators, she has the felt experience of being connected to her parents during her early days of development. She considers it a high honor to share this experience with tomorrow's children.Connect with Anna Humphreys:Website: http://www.calmbirth.org/Instagram: @calm.birth Facebook: Calm Birth Connect with Michelle Smith:Classes with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-educationFacebook: Birth Ease, The Birth Ease Podcast, Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram: @birtheasemichellesmith, @birtheaselossssupportYouTube: Birth EaseLinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle SmithWebsite: BirthEaseServices.com
In Michelle's series on the Calm Birth meditation program, Michelle chats again with Calm Birth Teacher-Trainer Adrienne Bergthold from last week's episode on breath, Naima Bond Teacher-Trainer, and Anna Humphreys the Director of Calm Birth. Together they share the long-established history of Calm Birth, the medical science behind it, and what the practice has brought to each of them and the families they serve. "Meditation is just a practice of being able to recognize when our minds are wandering away, when they're not serving us, when they're not being productive, and to return to this space of awareness where we are connected and centered and where we can see our inner truth and our intuition, if you will."—Anna Humphreys"I feel like people, especially if you are birthing, are trying to seek something that will restore that calm, will help them focus on their breath, help them keep themselves together, for lack of a better word, just because things are so different. ...People are seeking those tools now more than ever. And I'm just so grateful that I can offer something that can assist them and support them in that way."—Naima Bond"That's the whole point, right? Is to let our children know we see them. 'Cause we all, at some level, wanna be seen. We wanna be heard, and this is bringing awareness. Every time we breathe into the womb. Every time we have a moment of awareness, our kids are energetically synced into that."—Adrienne Bergthold Connect with Calm Birth: Website: http://www.calmbirth.org/Instagram: @calm.birth Facebook: Calm Birth Connect with Anna Humphries: Website: http://www.calmbirth.org/the-calm-birth-team-1LinkedIn: Anna Humphreys Connect with Naima Bond:Website: http://www.oyabirthandwellnesss.com/Instagram: @Naimadanita Connect with Adrienne Bergthold: Email: adriennebergthold@verizon.netWebsite: http://www.baltimorebirthandmassage.com/ Connect with Michelle Smith:Website: BirthEaseServices.comFacebook: Birth Ease, The Birth Ease Podcast, Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram: @birtheasemichellesmith, @birtheaselossssupportYouTube: Birth EaseLinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle Smith
Adrienne Bergthold shares with Michelle ways in which to have a better relationship with breathing and improve the quality of our breath. She explains the ways in which our breath can become interrupted or restricted, why softening the tension and rigidity within the body is so vital for breath, and why focusing strictly on belly breathing can cause issues.She reminds us that our nervous system, our brain, and our cells all remember how to breathe, and that ease of breath can begin to come back. Our lungs and our bodies can return to what they know. We can receive the breath and then gently let it go. Adrienne also provides beautiful tips for pregnant people to breathe with their baby in the womb. “[With] most people, first of all, there's no movement in the abdominal area. If people are belly breathing they're either hyper-focusing on that to the detriment of any movement at all above, locking down the ribs and the neck, or there's no movement at all in the lower and there's tension, stress, and anxiety which forced the thoracic up, and all that tension up. And, people's breathing is shallow and just superficial chest breathing.” —Adrienne BergtholdAbout Adrienne Bergthold: Adrienne is a married 53 year old mother of two children, ages 32 and 16 years old. A California native now living in Baltimore, Maryland who has been practicing as a medical massage therapist, yoga teacher, and doula for almost 30 years as well as a Calm Birth teacher-instructor. Adrienne says, "Teaching about the breath and meditation is the heart and foundation of all I teach, which is why Calm Birth was the perfect fit for me when I found it almost 16 years ago. My love for Calm Birth has only grown more deeply. It is my heart's work to help others live in their bodies and to give birth in loving awareness, in peace, in calm."Connect with Adrienne Bergthold: Adrienne's Breath Workshop: How to Breath 101 Email: adriennebergthold@verizon.netWebsite: http://www.baltimorebirthandmassage.com/Calm Birth Website: http://www.calmbirth.org/ Resources: Books:“Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art ” by James Nestor"The Posture of Meditation" by Will Johnson Andrea Olson:http://www.middlebury.edu/academics/es/faculty/node/149681TEDxMonterey - Andrea Olsen - From Fear to the Sublime: Art Making & the Environment Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen:Website: https://bonniebainbridgecohen.com/Bonnie's YouTube Channel Aisa Yamaguchi- Japanese Acupuncture:Website: http://www.aisayamaguchi.com/ Connect with Michelle Smith:Websites: BirthEaseServices.com, BirthEaseHypnobirth.comFacebook: Birth Ease, The Birth Ease PodcastInstagram: @birtheasemichellesmithYouTube: Birth EaseLinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle Smith
Listen in as midwife Elena Rosa shares with Michelle the history and benefits of Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy. Together they discuss how each person's reproductive journey is their own, how the state of fight or flight affects the body, the connection between the heart and the uterus, deep healing, and following the lead of your heart. "And just thinking about the grief and what we're told how we're supposed to be as women, what we're supposed to accept, what we're supposed to receive, what we're not allowed to stand up for, what we're not allowed to make boundaries for. You know, what we allow to happen to us because we feel like we're powerless. … But just processing what boundaries we're encouraged to have, but we're not encouraged to have. Like we're not allowed to speak up for ourselves. Like what we allow into our space, what is forced into our space. What is what we are allowed to grieve over. You know, there's so many things that we hold onto in our bodies."—Elena Rosa About Elena Rosa, LM:Elena is a practicing licensed midwife, an Advanced Arvigo Practitioner, and a retired licensed massage therapist based in Central Florida. As a woman of Puerto Rican descent who has lived throughout the Northeast and Southern regions of the US, Elena sees herself as a US citizen by birth, but a global citizen by responsibility.Elena feels there is no more profound challenge than the mastery of self. The pursuit of the limitless is one of personal growth and spirituality…cultivating self-care, self-awareness, and self-love. Elena had an interest in indigenous medicine since childhood. Elena has sought out personal mentors from North and South American traditions and Tibetan Buddhism. Having participated in countless prayer and meditation ceremonies and her own deep work has provided humility, depth, space for healing herself and others, and an ongoing practice of peacemaking.Most of all, she is the proud mother of a sweet girl who has taught her more about what her body and her heart are capable of than anyone she has ever met. Pregnancy, labor, and motherhood have brought no shortage of lessons in accepting all expected and unexpected challenges. What these experiences taught her is that she is an informed woman who knows her body, and she has all the information she needs to make the right decision for her and her child. This affirming gift is Elena's wish for every family she serves. Connect with Elena Rosa:Website: https://mykindredmidwife.com/Facebook: Elena RosaResources:https://arvigotherapy.com/ Connect with Michelle Smith:Website: BirthEaseServices.comFacebook: Birth Ease, The Birth Ease Podcast, Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram: @birtheasemichellesmith, @birtheaselossssupportYouTube: Birth EaseLinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle SmithPinterest: Birth EaseShow: Birth Ease
A high-risk first time mom tells her vaginal hospital birth story. We discuss what it's like to be prepped for giving birth when you have pre-existing health conditions, the pressures of giving birth to the first grandchild on both sides of the family, the emotional unearthing that happens when you become a mother, the realities of healing from birth injuries, breastfeeding obstacles, coping with postpartum depression, and much more while finding a way to laugh during all of it. Visit www.birthshow.com for some great free resources that will help you on your own journey into motherhood.Follow the show on Instagram:@birthshowFollow Christy on Instagram:@christywillThis podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/birth. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
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