Podcasts about yoga birth babies

Did you know that a reported 1 out of 5 people who give birth experience PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders)? However, the professionals I have spoken to believe the number is closer to 1 in 3. Today we explore the world of PMADs- how to recognize the line between baby blues and PMADs, when it might be time to seek support, and where to find the help you need. Joining me today on Yoga| Birth| Babies, I have Sydney Pollack-Tobert. Sydney is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), certified perinatal mental health therapist (PMH-C), and a child therapist located on the Upper West Side. Sydney is a mom to one human baby and two dogs- and is a a proud alumn of Prenatal Yoga Center! Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even if a medical intervention isn't in your birth plan, you should still be educated on it; because, at the end of the day, no one can predict their birth!  Today is all about: epidurals. Joining me today on Yoga| Birth| Babies, I have Erin Capnerhurst. Erin is a wife, mother of three, and a Registered Nurse who has been supporting families through pregnancy and childbirth for 15 years in the hospital, clinic, and birth education settings. Most recently, Erin earned her Prenatal Yoga Teacher certification with the Prenatal Yoga Center!  Are there different types of epidurals? How should you push with an epidural? Is there only one position to push in when you get the epidural? Let's dive in. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com (*hyperlink episode link from Wordpress!) Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining me today to share her birth story on Yoga| Birth| Babies, I have Agathe. Originally from Paris, Agathe moved to New York City nine years ago, where she met her husband and, in November 2024, welcomed their baby girl. In this episode, Agathe opens up about the mindfulness practices she created throughout pregnancy in order to help navigate the anxiety she was experiencing during this time. Her embracing of these practices only extended into her birth and postpartum journeys. Agathe's story is heartfelt, relatable and deeply inspiring, and I hope you enjoy listening to it. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com (*hyperlink episode link from Wordpress!) Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, we're diving into some of the common—yet often overlooked—stressors of pregnancy. We explore everything from hormonal changes and PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders) to the profound life shifts that come with this transition. We also take a closer look at trauma-informed care: what it really means, how trauma is defined, and how to effectively communicate your needs to your care provider when it comes to support during birth. To have this conversation today with me on Yoga| Birth| Babies I have maternal health specialist Ja'Neen Jenkins. With a deep passion for supporting mothers through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, Ja'Neen integrates her expertise as a licensed mental health therapist, doula, and perinatal coach to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care. Ja'Neen holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a Master's in Teaching from Louisiana College in Pineville, and a Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. She currently serves as the Clinical Supervisor at Jenkins Counseling Services, where she is committed to shaping the future of perinatal mental health care. In this episode, we talk about everything from birth debriefing and birth maps to nervous system regulation and how it influences the flow of labor. If you or someone you love is expecting, this episode is a must-listen. So often, people leave their birth experience feeling unsettled or disappointed. But as Ja'Neen and I discuss, the work done during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of birth trauma and postpartum mental health challenges. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when motherhood feels challenging—when it doesn't come as naturally as you expected? This episode was inspired by honest conversations in my prenatal yoga classes, where some students shared fears about entering parenthood. One even admitted, “I don't know if I'm very maternal.” That vulnerability struck a chord, and I knew we needed to explore it further. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I sit down again with Paige Bellenbaum, LCSW of The Motherhood Center, for a deep and heartfelt conversation. We talk about the emotional complexities of becoming a parent, especially when expectations and reality don't align. We dive into the guilt, shame, and comparison that can arise during this transition—and how examining your own values can help shape a more authentic and supported experience of parenthood. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating, supporting, or anticipating the emotional journey into motherhood. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pumping is a pretty hot topic among new parents. As a matter of fact, when I polled my postnatal yoga students on what their current concerns were and what they needed support with, nearly everyone had a pumping question. Whether they were getting ready to go back to work or just wanted to spend a little time away from baby, the questions were pretty similar. From how often they should pump, to how much they should pump, to the best pump, and taking care of their pump, everyone felt uncertain about what they were doing. While I pumped to feed my children, this is not my specialty. So, I invited Heather ONeal and Maureen Farrell back onto Yoga | Birth | Babies. We had an excellent chat a few years back year about PPA/PPD medication and breastfeeding and I suspected they would have a lot of expertise to share around pumping, did they ever! Heather and Maureen and midwives and lactation professionals, they host a fantastic podcast called The Milk Minute. On today's episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies they share practical tips for the expectant parent getting ready to embark on their pumping journey and provide incredible support for those parents in the midst of pumping. I hope today's episode boosts your confidence as a pumping parent and provides you some answers for those areas of pumping where you feel a little uncertain. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're a parent, or have simply spent time around children, you know the how hard it can be to stay calm when a child is whining. I'm almost 14 years into parenthood and still, I find myself hungrily looking for expert advice on this issue! In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Dr. Laura Markham on this valuable subject. Dr. Laura Markham is the author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How To Stop Yelling and Start Connecting, Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings: How To Stop the Fighting and Raise Friends for Life, and now her latest book, The Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids Workbook: Using mindfulness and connection to raise resilient, joyful children and rediscover your love of parenting. Dr. Laura earned her PhD in clinical psychology at Columbia University and has worked as a parenting coach with countless families across the world. Her aspiration is to change the world, one child at a time, by supporting parents. The proud mother of two thriving young adults who were raised with her peaceful parenting approach, she lives with her husband in New York. In this episode, we cover how to talk to your child when they are in states of activation so that they listen, what you can expect from children based on their stage of development, and what's behind the behavior of a tantrum! Why are they whining? For parents of children of all ages, this episode has amazing takeaways that will help defuse challenging moments. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Community birth stories are, for me, some of the most important episodes to share on this podcast. Oftentimes, we're overwhelmed with negative birth narratives, which can impact one's confidence in their ability to birth. I feel passionate about hearing, and sharing, stories where individuals acknowledge their birthing anxieties but ultimately overcome them. Today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I have Jessie Valentine. Jessie is a registered dietitian who specializes in fertility and perinatal nutrition, a registered prenatal yoga teacher (and PYC teacher training grad!), and a postpartum doula servicing Nassau and Suffolk counties of NY. She is now a mom of two (a two year old son and 4 month old daughter)! During her time studying at PYC for teacher training, Jessie became pregnant and started taking classes as a student. After her birth, she shared with me how she achieved the VBAC she had desired so deeply, dedicating time and effort into preparing for it. I'm honored that she agreed to come on the podcast and share her story—one filled with support, vision, research, and commitment. Jessie's journey is incredibly inspiring, and I can't wait for you to hear it! Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we're exploring a topic that has impacted so many people around the world, including some of my closest friends and students. I'll admit that I didn't know much about IVF, as I haven't had personal experience with it, so I set out to learn more. Interestingly, my cousin is an expert on the subject, and one day shared with me about the the history of IVF and the globalization and the technology behind it. From that point on, I knew I had to have her on the podcast! Today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I have Dr. Donna J. Drucker. Donna is the assistant director of scholarship and research development at the Columbia University School of Nursing. She has a master of library science degree and a PhD in history, both from Indiana University. She is the author of four books and many articles and shorter publications, and has a fifth book on abortion under contract. While many of us know the outcome that we're hoping for with IVF, and perhaps a bit about the procedures involved, Donna shares insight on aspects such as the donors, the surrogacy, the laws, and so much more. We also talk about how race and appearance generally factor into decision-making, along with many other things I had not thought about. I am really excited for you to hear Donna's perspective on IVF as a researcher in this field. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we're talking all about prenatal chiropractic work and how it can help you have a smoother birth and more comfortable pregnancy. I love the idea of chiropractics because it all goes back to alignment. And as a studio owner, yoga teacher and former doula, I am confident in saying that when the pregnant body is aligned, it not only feels better for the pregnant person but also helps their birth! Today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I have Dr. Robert Shire. Dr. Shire became a chiropractor in 1999 after graduating cum laude from Life University in Georgia. He also completed a fellowship with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and became certified in the Webster Technique. Although Dr. Shire cares for patients of all ages, he has a particular interest in prenatal chiropractic to help parents-to-be experience the healthy and happy pregnancy they deserve. If you are interested in understanding the nervous system and the function of your body during pregnancy, this episode is for you. Additionally, we expound on the Webster technique which is especially helpful in the case of a breech baby. There are so many golden nuggets of information packed into this episode, and I am so excited for you to listen to this conversation. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many sex is a very different experience while pregnant and newly postpartum. From wondering if you might hurt your baby to the physical discomfort one may experience, a lot of questions come to mind. Today we're going to talk about sex during pregnancy and after baby. I gathered some of the students together from the prenatal and postnatal classes and asked what their questions were. Questions I heard included: concerns about sex during pregnancy and will it hurt the baby? If the vagina changes forever after birth? How postpartum hormones change sex? And what can you do if sex hurts? So to have this conversation today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I have Dr. Sabrina Baxter, a doctor of physical therapy specializing in Pelvic Floor dysfunction. I love that she talks about individualized treatment because, while we're answering these questions in somewhat broad strokes, it is such an individualized experience what is going on with your body. I hope this just gives you some insight into your body and some curiosity about your body because you deserve to live a really wonderful quality of life and part of that is to have a healthy pelvic floor. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are going to talk about SLEEP: your sleep, your baby's sleep, and how to help your baby get good sleep. We dive into the topic of sleep deprivation, its impact on maternal mental health and bonding with baby, and also the different types of sleep training methods.  Today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I have Liza Kaplan Montanino. Liza is a dual-certified pediatric and special needs sleep consultant through the Center for Pediatric Sleep Management and Institute for Pediatric Sleep & Parenting, respectively. She is also a graduate of the Sleep Health Intelligence Program, cofounder of the Westchester Mama & Child Wellness Expo, and sleep expert in The Indy Lab's Parenting Center. She is also a sleep instructor with Virtual Village Parenting, a newborn care professional, and lactation educator. It was a true pleasure having Liza on the show to talk about sleep. She's an incredible resource filled with valuable insights! Not only will improving your own sleep enhance your wellbeing, but there are numerous benefits to helping your child learn to sleep independently. I hope you enjoy this episode! Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we have a community birth story. I look at these stories as a wonderful chance to hear firsthand about the incredible experience of birth from someone in our very own community—an experience that deeply influences so much of what we do here at PYC! Today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I have Fiamma. Fiamma was born in NYC grew up as a competitive equestrian show jumper where she would travel between Europe, the US and South America. She was also a competitive downhill skier. She took a break from competing and and teaching and spent time in Brazil all of 2023, right before getting pregnant. She currently lives on 180 acres in a 350 year old farmhouse in Virginia, and has been there for almost a year now with her 2 dogs and now perfect baby! In this episode, Fiamma shares about her health challenges pre-pregnancy, her birth story, and the obstacles she faced during both her birth and postpartum journey… All with remarkable wisdom, grace, and vulnerability. Happy listening! Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you are a new and expectant parent, I know that childcare is a subject that has crossed your mind before. Whether you're going back to work full-time, or just need some assistance throughout the day, remember that you don't have to do it all on your own! As the saying goes, “It takes a village.” The right choice for your family will depend on your individual priorities, so let's explore the options. To have this conversation with me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies is Elizabeth Narins. Elizabeth is a freelance writer who has previously held staff positions at Cosmo and Women's Health. Her work has appeared in Scary Mommy, What to Expect, The Bump, Parents, and many more! Currently, she is in the process of launching a parenting Substack that explores identity, career, body image, along with all of the child-rearing questions that keep new parents up at night. Elizabeth is a mother of two. In this episode, we'll explore the main differences between daycare and hiring a nanny, how to spot potential red flags for both options, and the important questions to ask. Ultimately, choosing what's right for your family is a personal decision, and I bring you this episode in hopes of helping you navigate the journey! Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're diving into a topic that's very close to my heart. Along with being a parent of a child often labeled as "difficult," I know that so many other children are unfairly pigeonholed because of their behavior. And I've come to realize: it's not so much about the actual behavior as it is about understanding the root cause of that behavior. To have this conversation with me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies is Nina Essell. Nina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience as a school social worker supporting children and families. Nina holds a Master's of Social Work from Columbia University and a Master's of Science in Childhood General and Special Education from Bank Street College of Education. Nina is an advanced certified trainer in the Nurtured Heart Approach as well as Kimochis, a social emotional learning curriculum. Currently, she is a parenting coach and consultant, providing 1-on-1 coaching, parenting workshops, and professional training. In this episode, we explore how families can reframe challenging behaviors, the importance of parents finding their own grounding during moments of dysregulation, and practical tools children can use to identify big feelings- before they boil over. My hope is that we, as a society, can get to a place of understanding these kids without judgement. Enjoy this episode. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are diving into a topic near and dear to my heart: doulas. Tune in as we explore how to find a doula who best fits you and your unique needs! Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Francie Webb. Francie is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and founder of Go Milk Yourself. She is a mom of 3, author and former middle school teacher. She's worked with 1600+ parents and provided training to 2000+ professionals. Additionally, she has trained 40+ doulas and trained 40+ lactation professionals in her Go Milk Yourself Lactation Training. In this episode, we discuss why identifying your priorities is crucial when selecting the right doula for you. We'll cover key questions to ask potential doulas based on your priorities, and red flags to watch out for in interviews. Additionally, we go over where to find a doula, what to expect in terms of cost and on-call availability, and so much more. Enjoy this episode! Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join in as we embark on a topic that, I have to admit, I knew very little about until having this conversation! Today, we are talking about mastitis- what it is, the latest research, causes, symptoms, and much more. Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Bella Mascotti Rochford. Bella is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant and National Board-Certified & NYS licensed Occupational Therapist. She owns a private practice (Nurturing LIFT, LLC) that specializes in lactation and infant feeding therapy, and supports families navigating breast/chest feeding and bottle feeding. Mastitis has historically been misunderstood, and Bella is here to provide clarity with her extensive knowledge. She'll also share essential tips on what to do and what to avoid if you're dealing with mastitis. I know this episode will resonate with many of you listening. Enjoy! Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are countless reasons why I believe sharing and listening to birth stories is so valuable. One standout aspect is the many universal themes that emerge- whether between different births, throughout the journey from pregnancy to parenthood, or even within the individual birth stories themselves. While the societal conversation around birth can often evoke fear, a positive birth story has the power to shift that narrative. Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Shing Yiing Ong. Shing is a Certified Comprehensive Pilates Instructor and founder of her own company, Body Balance Lifestyle, that specializes in creating fun and short workout for busy entrepreneurs and moms. She is now a new mom to a beautiful 6 month old baby girl! In today's birth story, you'll hear Shing reflect on how her birth plan changed and how she not only moved through it, but came out feeling empowered about it. She also candidly discusses challenges that come with new parenthood- identity struggles, lack of freedom, baby blues, and hormonal changes. Shing's experience captures the broad spectrum of parenthood, highlighting both the highs and the lows, each of which holds great significance. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My work revolves around women and birthing people, and naturally my guests on the podcast are mainly of that experience! However, today we are mixing things up a bit and exploring the transition to parenthood from a man's perspective. Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Dan Doty. Dan is a father of 3, a husband, an outdoorsman and a meditator. He is the co-founder of Fatherhood Ready and Fatherhood Unlocked. He was the co-founder of men's org EVRYMAN and the producer director of hit tv show MeatEater. He has been featured in the NYTimes, Men's Health, the Today Show and the Joe Rogan Experience. In this episode, we dive into how fatherhood has evolved across generations and what it looks like for men today. Dan shares solid, practical tools for men on how to show up for their partners and children, and I know you'll find this conversation incredibly valuable. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're talking all about my favorite: The pelvic floor. From how the pelvic floor changes in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, to what the signs and symptoms to see a pelvic floor PT are, to what happens at an actual appointment… we cover it all. Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Dr. Amy Stein. Amy is a premiere physical therapist and is at the forefront of treating pelvic floor disfunction and pelvic pain. In addition to being the founder of Beyond Basics PT, Amy has served as the President – and is currently on the advisory board – of the International Pelvic Pain Society. As an award-winning author, Amy has written books on pelvic pain (Heal Pelvic Pain) and endometriosis (Beating Endo: How to reclaim your life from Endometriosis) and created a video on pelvic pain (Healing Pelvic Pain and Abdominal Pain). Amy is also a co-editor of Healing in Urology as well as a featured author in many medical textbooks, including Pelvic Pain Management, Female Sexual Pain Disorders: Evaluation and Management, Management of Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women, and The Overactive Pelvic Floor. Amy's bio speaks for itself, and it goes without saying that she is the ideal person to have on for this discussion which I am so happy to bring you. Happy listening and happy learning! Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you preparing for a subsequent child? If you answered yes, then today's episode is a must-listen. Today, we're discussing the topic of introducing a new sibling into the family,… specifically to your first child. Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Alyssa Blask Campbell. Alyssa is a teacher, parent, and emotional development expert with a master's degree in early childhood education. She is a co-creator of the Collaborative Emotion Processing (CEP), the host of the podcast, "Voices of Your Village” and the author of Tiny Humans, Big Emotions. Today's episode is the ultimate guide to preparing for this transition; we'll be going over how to help your first child understand this adjustment and shift of attention, how you as a parent can re-organize certain systems around both kids, and how you as a parent can prepare for all of this. Alyssa is an absolute joy to learn from, and I have no doubt that you'll walk away from this episode with the most valuable tools and tips. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is so common to put a lot of care, effort, and attention towards pregnancy and birth. And- it goes without saying- the prenatal period is incredibly important. However, the postpartum phase is a hugely transitional time for new parents and deserves equal consideration and planning. So let's dive into it! Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies to discuss Postpartum is Elaine Keller-Duemig. Elaine is a certified nurse midwife and the owner of Central Park Midwifery, a private midwifery practice in Manhattan that attends hospital births. Elaine earned her bachelor's degree in Women's Studies and a certificate in LGBT studies from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. She earned a nursing degree at Quinnipiac University, and has a midwifery masters degree from Columbia University. Prior to midwifery, she worked as a labor and delivery and postpartum nurse in several hospitals. In our conversation, we'll explore how to create a postpartum plan, the importance of healing and rest for the birthing person, essential supplies for new parents, and breastfeeding and lactation. We also get into the subject of relationships- establishing boundaries around visits from family and friends, adapting to adjustments in your primary relationship with your partner, and maintaining your own individuality post-birth. I'm excited for you to hear what Elaine has to say, and I encourage you to jot down some of her valuable tips! Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A student once said to me, “Im interested in home birth, but why would I choose to have a home birth?” I had two options. Either I could tell her all my reasons right then and there, or I could find a home birth midwife to come on the podcast and speak on the subject. As you can see, I chose the latter! Today's guest on Yoga | Birth | Babies is none other than Kara Ffrench. Kara has been a registered nurse since 2006 and became a midwife in 2014. She has spent her midwifery career working in private practice as well as in large hospital systems, and currently attends home birth and hospital births. Additionally, she offers complete patient GYN care.  Join us as we explore the topic of home birth- why some might choose it, who would be a good candidate for home birth, the standard of practice that ensures safety for the laboring person and baby, what a back up plan entails, and much more. If you are considering home birth, I know this conversation will help you in making a decision- whatever that ends up being! Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we're exploring one of the most powerful tools for birth: movement. When we consider movement during labor and delivery, it raises questions such as: Does the shape and size of your pelvis impact the birthing process? How does the pelvis open? Can you move effectively if you have an epidural? Join us as we delve into the importance of movement (and advocating for it!) in birth. To have this conversation with me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I am joined by Brittany Sharpe McCollum. Brittany is a Perinatal Pelvic Biomechanics Educator, a labor support doula, and a childbirth educator. She is also the owner of Blossoming Bellies Wholistic Birth Services based out of the greater Philadelphia PA area. Brittany is a wealth of knowledge, so you can rest assured knowing that you'll gain valuable insights from this episode. Ultimately, my hope is that this discussion instills you with a new level of confidence in your body's ability to bring baby into the world. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com (*hyperlink episode link from Wordpress!) Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a saying that goes, “You don't know what you don't know,” and this is especially true when it comes to prepping for birth. If you aren't informed about the different options for your birth, then how can you be expected to make the most informed decisions in your birth! Today, we'll be diving into the key differences between a hospital-led childbirth education class and an independent-led childbirth education class. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I am joined by Ceridwen Morris. Ceridwen is an author, childbirth educator and doula who has supported thousands of expectant parents in New York City for over twenty years. She is the author of the forthcoming How to Give Birth (Farrar, Strauss and Giroux, 2025). Morris served on the board of The Childbirth Education Association of Metropolitan New York for five years, and ran the education program at Tribeca Pediatrics for ten years. She has taught at Real Birth, City Births, NYC Birth Prep and Prenatal Yoga Center. As you give this episode a listen, I hope it inspires you to bring questions to your care provider that explore how the birthing experience can be tailored to your preferences, versus you having to conform to hospital policies and protocols. Enjoy this informative episode! Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we're diving into the birth story of a student who completed her teacher training with us last year- while pregnant! It was truly special to witness her journey as a student at PYC, both in our training and our classes. When she shared details of her wonderful and positive birth experience with me, I knew I had to have her on the podcast to share her story with all of you. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I am joined by Jessica Roback. Jessica is a digital marketer and yoga instructor living in the Chicago suburbs with her family. Music, movement, and writing are her passions and you can usually find her playing with her kids, going for a walk, or planning her next outdoor adventure. It's no secret that there are many fear-based ideas surrounding birth, and one of the reasons I wanted to feature Jessica's story is that it offers an empowering and positive perspective. While hearing a positive birth story won't guarantee a similar experience, embracing an empowering lens can certainly open up opportunities for hope, empowerment, and excitement about birth. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes, the most challenging aspect of parenting is the work we do on ourselves. It involves reflecting on our own childhood experiences and understanding how they shape our view of parenthood today. It also requires taking emotional accountability- managing our reactions and behaviors instead of blaming others or projecting our issues onto them. It might seem overwhelming just to read that, so today we're breaking it down with the concept of Conscious Parenting. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I am joined by Bryana Kappadakunnel. Bryana is a seasoned professional in the fields of perinatal, infant, and early childhood mental health. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who primarily focuses on 0-5 year old children, Bryana has worked in a therapeutic preschool, community mental health settings, and now runs her own private practice and online community called Conscious Mommy. In our conversation, we define Conscious Parenting, explore the importance of reflecting on our emotional reactions, discuss how to manage parental emotional triggers, and differentiate between setting boundaries and exerting control or punishment. We also tackle the challenging topic of apologizing to our children. It's undoubtedly hard work, but by better understanding ourselves, we can better understand our children and become more effective and compassionate parents. I hope you enjoy this episode. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When today's guest reached out to me about bringing a pediatric physical therapy conversation to the table, I was all in. Apart from my well-known love for all things anatomy and my own experience with PT, I was really curious how it even works with newborns and babies! For this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I am joined by Dr. Emily Schlict. Emily is a pediatric physical therapist who primarily treats patients from birth to 5 years old. She is trained in dynamic movement intervention (DMI) and Schroth Therapy for Scoliosis. Emily is also a Board Certified Autism Specialist. Emily is the owner of EMpower PT, which provides pediatric physical therapy to children in their homes throughout Manhattan. In this conversation, Emily goes over the reasons a newborn may need to see a physical therapist, what PT looks like for a newborn or baby under three, and how to recognize when it may be time for parents to seek out PT for their child. We even discuss some general things, aside from PT, that you can do with your newborn to help them develop and reach their milestones. I am really excited for you to hear this conversation. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com (*hyperlink episode link from Wordpress!) Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having a child with special needs can be both an isolating and challenging experience, but it also offers endless opportunities for learning, acceptance, and education. There are many different kinds of special needs, but today we're focusing on the “unseen” disabilities of neurodiverse children and the unique experiences of their parents. Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies is Susanna Peace Lovell. Susanna received her B.A. from UC Berkeley and is an author, speaker, disability rights advocate and certified professional life coach dedicated to the health and wellness of disability families everywhere. This is also her lived experience raising a teenage daughter with a myriad disabilities and diagnoses including ASD (autism spectrum disorder), ADHD, anxiety and severe food allergies. If you're a parent of a child with disabilities, I hope this conversation offers you support and validation. For those who are close to families with disabilities, this episode aims to show how you can be a supportive ally. Tune in as Susanna openly shares her journey with her daughter, offers advice on finding the right resources and care providers, and discusses how parents can advocate effectively for themselves, their families, and their children. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com (*hyperlink episode link from Wordpress!) Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we're diving into a community birth story that's far more than just a tale of delivery. Ready for some intriguing details? My guest recently welcomed her third baby. She's been a dedicated student at PYC for nine years, and she's been featured on the YBB podcast three times, sharing insights from all three of her births. But there's even more… each of her births involved induction, each for different reasons. Today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I have Yali Szulanski. Yali is an educational wellness consultant, a trauma-informed emotion specialist, teacher, and writer. She received her master's in psychology and education from Teachers College, Columbia University, with a special certification in spirituality mind-body integration. Yali is currently on track to receive her rabbinic ordination in 2025 and is also the youth director at the Hebrew Institute in Riverdale, where she lives with her family.  Yali brings a wealth of philosophical wisdom and life perspective to our conversation that I can't for you to hear. Join us as we uncover how something as seemingly simple as a running practice can be equally as profound as giving birth to 3 children. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com (*hyperlink episode link from Wordpress!) Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are speaking on a hot topic: tongue tie. The reason tongue tie is a hot topic is because it has been a controversial subject for a while now! Naturally, I wanted to understand why- which brought us to the guest and interview you'll hear today. To have this conversation with me on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I have Stephanie Heintzeler. Stephanie is a German educated midwife and acupuncturist as well as US-educated birth doula and Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).  Stephanie comes to this conversation with so much knowledge, and I know you will learn so much in this episode. If you've ever been curious or confused about tongue tie, sit back and relax because this episode will take away the mystery and fill in the blanks. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com (*hyperlink episode link from Wordpress!) Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:   Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matrescence, A.K.A. becoming a mother/parent, is a developmental milestone that brings forth a major identity shift within us. Every parent's personal definition of this milestone will be wildly different, and each journey will look a myriad of different ways, but a universal perspective we can adopt about matrescence is that it can be an opportunity to grow more into ourselves. To have this conversation with me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I have Emese Parker. Emese is a board-certified women's health nurse practitioner, pregnancy & motherhood support specialist, award-winning author, public health geek, mama, and matrescence activist. She has been in the healthcare field for over 20 years and is passionate about supporting and empowering women, promoting perinatal mental health wellness, and walking with women through various life transitions—especially pregnancy and motherhood. I'm so excited for you to hear this conversation on matrescence. Although this life transition can be full of new-baby bliss, it can also be a messy, bumpy road. So how can we navigate that? How does the view of motherhood in our society contribute to this road? How do we want to respond, and what kind of parent do we want to be? Gain insight into these questions and so much more. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com (*hyperlink episode link from Wordpress!) Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify!  To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're looking at the title of this episode thinking, “I've never heard of cholestasis”… you're not alone! That being said, it's important to know about as it can occur in 1-2 in every 1,000 pregnancies. So let's talk about cholestasis in pregnancy- the symptoms, the treatment, how it is diagnosed, and how one can deal with this in pregnancy.  To have this conversation with me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I have Donna Benavides. Donna is a mother who experienced Cholestasis of Pregnancy and is now blessed with two healthy teens, Branden & Evan, and her angel baby Jorden. She's dedicated her time and advocacy to Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) and is the Founder of ICP Care 501(c)(3) nonprofit. She is also a registered prenatal yoga teacher! Donna has had ICP in all 3 of her pregnancies, and she graciously shares the knowledge and experience she's gained on the diagnosis through our honest conversation. If you have ICP or it comes up later on in your pregnancy, we want you to know how to advocate for yourself in order to find the support you need in guiding you through a healthy pregnancy. **CW: In this episode, there is mention of a stillbirth. This experience is shared about within the first 16 minutes. Please feel free to skip ahead, because there is so much good advice offered throughout the rest of our conversation as well.** Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify!  To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we have a community birth story that will literally take you on a wild ride. In just one short but juicy hour, you'll find an illustration of pregnancy over 40, preparation for birth from a yoga teacher perspective, and multiple twists and turns in a birth story. Today's Yoga| Birth| Babies, I have with me Renata DiBiase. Renata is a book designer and yoga teacher residing on eastern Long Island with her husband and newborn baby. She is also a PYC Prenatal Teacher Training alumni! Believing in yourself isn't always an easy feat, but Renata exemplifies just that in her birth. Throughout this conversation, so many lessons of resilience, strength, and staying in the present can be found. I hope you leave this episode feeling just as inspired as I did. CW: In this conversation, there is mention of a miscarriage and a premature birth. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com (*hyperlink episode link from Wordpress!) Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that the number of babies born to first time parents in the US who are over 35 has been steadily increasing? I see countless parents in the PYC community (including myself) have their first child over 35. So why have we heard that it's difficult and more dangerous to conceive after 35? What happens (or doesn't happen) at 35 to the body and how might this affect your pregnancy and birth? To answer this question I invited Dr. Nicole Rankins back to Yoga|Birth |Babies. This is my third episode with Dr. Rankins. She's an incredible guest. As an OB/GYN she's helped over 1,500 babies into the world. She also has an amazing podcast All About Pregnancy & Birth that I turn to for grounded scientific information that feels like it's coming from a dear friend. In today's episode Dr. Nicole and I talk about the risks and benefits of having babies over 35. We talk about fertility, how care may or may not be different for those over 35, and how managed or not managed your birth may need to be. Dr. Nicole dispels some huge myths. For those of you concerned about pregnancy over 35 this episode will calm and soothe your mind. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com (*hyperlink episode link from Wordpress!) Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we're delving into a universal experience: the challenge of control. Have you ever wondered why it can be so hard to let things organically happen? Or questioned what it is that's behind the desire to control in the first place? As much as it would be fabulous to control everything, it simply isn't possible. And, you guessed it; this rings especially true in pregnancy and parenthood.  Today on Yoga| Birth| Babies, I have with me Dr. Britta Bushnell to have this conversation. Britta is the author of Transformed by Birth, a childbirth educator, a mentor to other birth professionals, and a now 3rd-time guest on this podcast! Throughout this conversation, we dive into the ins and outs of control: why we want it, how we try to get it, how it shows up as we prepare for pregnancy and beyond, and whether or not it actually serves us to have it. Furthermore, we explore the idea of how to stoke the curiosity of something without trying to manage it in a certain way. So join us as we unpack these layers, promising a conversation that will leave you with a new sense of awareness. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's no secret that getting good sleep is vital in living a healthy life. However, sleep becomes crucial in the fourth trimester- the newborn phase! When baby and you develop healthy sleep patterns, it benefits the whole family. But I know what you're thinking: “Easier said than done.” Well, to have this conversation with me today on Yoga| Birth| Babies, I have Kristine Petterson. Kristine is a birth doula, a Pre/Postnatal yoga instructor, and a Mindful Sleep and Parenting Educator. And, as a sleep consultant, Kristine's knowledge on fourth trimester sleep proves promising. Throughout the conversation, we dive into the importance of a healthy sleep relationship, Kristine's belief in babies' ability to self-soothe, and we go over some tangible tips in creating better sleep hygiene for you and your newborn. Trust me, you'll want to listen to this conversation (even a couple of times) to take some notes! Cheers to getting better sleep. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the best things about founding and developing Prenatal Yoga Center has been getting the chance to foster and grow our perinatal community. Throughout the months during (and after) their pregnancy, our students and staff get to know each other through rich dialogue where we work through things that come up, connect on shared experiences, and learn from different ones! Being so invested in their journey leading up to birth, I always feel fortunate when I get to hear how baby came into the world. So today, we have one of my favorite episode types: a community birth story. On today's episode of Yoga| Birth| Babies, we have former prenatal student Alicia Krakauer. Alicia is a born and bred New Yorker, a musical theater actress, and singer songwriter. After finishing her graduate degree at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London, she met her husband Liam back in 2014. They now live back in her hometown of NYC, and have just welcomed their first baby boy, Alastair, who was born at Lenox Hill just like his mommy! Alicia gets candid about the twists and turns that occurred in her birth and gives wonderful advice on how to process duality; allowing the space for more than one thing to be true, in both birth and postpartum. This is such an organic conversation, and I can't wait for you to hear it. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com (*hyperlink episode link from Wordpress!) Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're talking about how to overcome, and avoid, traumatic childbirth experiences. My guest for this conversation, Rebecca, shared with me a statistic that blew my mind: 35-45% of people report having a traumatic birth… An absolutely enormous number! Throughout our conversation, Rebecca shares some key factors that play a role resulting in traumatic birth experiences, red flags to keep an eye out for when working with your care provider, and 3 top-tier tips for preparing for childbirth. Additionally, we go into her expert's take on elective labor induction, how to advocate for yourself, and different birthing positions. We round out our wonderful conversation with how parents and those in the birth team can learn to advocate for themselves if they are feeling pressured or coerced by their care provider. The information in this conversation is so rich and I'm hoping that by the end of this conversation, you're going to feel so much more ready to move into that experience and have the confidence of your team around you. Today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN joins me for this special conversation. Rebecca Dekker, a nurse with her PhD, is the founder and CEO of Evidence Based Birth® and the author of Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered! Previously, Dr. Dekker was an Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Kentucky. In 2016, she shifted gears to focus full time on the mission of Evidence Based Birth.® Dr. Dekker is also host of the Evidence Based Birth® Podcast! Rebecca would like to offer the advice to expectant parents to do the research in finding the right care provider for you and educate yourself in building a supportive birth team. It is never too late, and it may feel like a trap, but you can be creative and resourceful in finding a way to get people who you trust at your birth. If it's not possible to switch, then make sure you have strong advocates in the room with you that are ready to speak on your behalf. Rebecca would like you to know that it's not your fault if your care provider is abusing you and it's not your job to find another doctor to replace them. Most the time, there's somebody else who can step in, and most of the time they come in really willing to help and feeling bad that you've had a bad experience. Resources: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Babies-Are-Not-Pizzas-Delivered/dp/1732549664 Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I am so excited for you to hear this conversation on one of my favorite subjects: diastasis recti. This is a conversation I especially wanted to have because I love learning and teaching about diastasis and the pelvic floor! We talk about what diastasis is, the misconceptions, how to heal, and what we can do to strengthen the linea alba. Anna and I dive right in, and full disclosure: we get a little geeky. We have a special guest today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, Anna Hammond. Anna has her doctorate in physical therapy and has been a physical therapist (DPT) for 15 years. She's an orthopedic certified specialist and a certified strength and conditioning coach. She's now the head PT at Core Exercise Solutions, where she assists in program development, creating continuing education, mentorship, 1:1 consultations, and leading their Learning Through Applications membership. I myself completed the Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist certification program a few years ago when I wanted to learn even more! I think those who are pregnant and postpartum will really enjoy hearing this conversation to understand how their body is working and understand diastasis. Additionally, anyone in the fitness world who is working with the perinatal community is going to get a lot out of this. Anna would like to offer the advice to new and expectant parents to make time for yourself and connect with your body. There's a lot of emotion involved with healing the body postpartum, as it can sometimes feel like you and your body are speaking two different languages. However, like any relationship, the more you connect with it, the more you're going to have a better relationship. It's all about how to trouble-shoot your own body and how you can understand it better. This helps give a sense of empowerment, because you start to gather what you can do in the meantime before the checkup, and take control. Understanding that postpartum has many seasons is crucial in managing expectations, while keeping yourself accountable and taking action with your healing! Resources: https://www.coreexercisesolutions.com/pces/ (Pregnancy and Postpartum Exercise Specialist course) Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we have a beautiful community birth story from Prenatal Yoga Center graduate, Courtney Vasserman! I personally loved this story and think it will be inspiring, relatable, and encouraging for our community to listen to. Courtney takes us through how she prepared for birth, including the methodology and tools she found incredibly impactful from classes at PYC, along with the coping skills she used and how those varied from early labor, to active labor, to transition. This story is absolutely beautiful, as Courtney speaks on the empowerment and trust she found in her body, yet honest in the sense that she doesn't shy away from describing her postpartum challenges- pelvic floor issues, breastfeeding struggles, and feelings of isolation. I appreciate how she opens the curtain to what a lot of people experience, and offers affirmation to those who need know they aren't alone and will get through it. Sharing her birth story today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, Prenatal Yoga Center graduate Courtney Vasserman grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and currently lives in New York, where she has worked as an advertising strategist since 2012. She lives in Manhattan with her husband Alex, her mini Bernedoodle Muffin, and now her 4.5 month old baby girl Sophie, who she is so in love with. She has always dreamed of being a mother. Courtney would like to offer the advice that it is okay to slow down, especially in the postpartum experience. She acknowledges that, especially for those like her who are career driven and type-A, it may be hard to learn and accept this concept in the first few months. However it is okay to spend five days in bed when you've just given birth! It's okay to ask someone else to hold the baby or not go on that mile walk. She reminds us to acknowledge the little accomplishments in those tender postpartum months. Courtney reassures that you don't need to be running around, and that slowing down will be better for both you and your family in the long-run. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you thought about what happens right after baby is born?  Today we dive into what to expect following baby's birth and how to navigate the first 12 weeks of life.  We discuss many topics including umbilical cord care, circumcision care and even how to bathe your baby.  We also dive into the subject of feeding and what to anticipate the first week.  Although the newborn phase may be overwhelming, our guest Dr. Wendy Hunter, approaches this conversation in an accessible way that makes it easy to follow and understand.   Dr. Wendy Hunter joins us to have this discussion today on, Yoga| Birth| Babies.  Wendy Hunter, MD is a pediatrician in San Diego, CA. She rounds on newborns at Scripps Hospital. Her podcast “The Pediatrician Next Door'' mixes the science of medicine with the realities of parenting.  She incorporates integrative therapies into her practice. Dr. Hunter would like to normalize the anxiety parents may feel during the newborn phase.  She encourages parents to recognize the anxiety they feel during this period is okay and normal.  She says that having a baby and acknowledging the responsibility of taking care of the child, may cause anxious thoughts.  She wants parents to know that they are not alone and there are resources and ways to find help.  She recommends that parents use their pediatrician as a resource to answer questions and give advice regarding their newborn.  She also reinforces there are professionals that want to assist parents during this time and recommends parents seek help. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may be more aware of what you are eating during pregnancy, however, have you considered how nutrition may affect your birth and postpartum?  In today's discussion we explore gut health and how your body works during the prenatal and postnatal phase.  We look at gut issues and the treatment for these issues.  We also dive into a conversation around bowel movements because this can tell you so much about your digestive health.  This is an informative discussion that will help you make the connection between what you eat and how it affects your body, especially during pregnancy.  On this episode of Yoga| Birth| Babies, we welcome Bridgitte Mallinson to have this conversation.  Bridgitte is a functional medicine dietitian, business mentor and the founder and CEO of GutPersonal, a supplement company that empowers everyone to eliminate gut issues for good through a personalized approach.  After healing a lifelong struggle with her gut, she has spent a decade studying functional medicine and nutrition as a registered functional dietitian. Bridgitte advises parents to give themselves grace during the postnatal phase.  Taking care of a newborn can be overwhelming and she recommends that parent be compassionate with themselves.  She also reminds parents to eat three balanced meals a day, with protein, fat, and carbohydrates.  Sometimes new parents are so focused on taking care of baby, that they may forget to eat.  She highlights that they need energy to take care of their child, making it important for them to have proper nutrition as well. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you find it harder to create friendships as an adult?  Today we talk about friendships and how they can be difficult to navigate, especially during parenthood.  Our guest discusses common conflicts that arise between parents as well as ways to better maintain these connections.  If you are a parent or an expectant parent, this conversation will shed light on why friendships are more complex during this phase.  Our guest Danielle, is easy to talk to and gives great advice for parents navigating these new waters.   To dive deeper into this topic, on Yoga| Birth| Babies, we have Danielle Bayard Jackson.  Danielle is a female friendship coach and educator who speaks nationally about the science of women's platonic connections.  She is also the author of Fighting for Our Friendships (May 2024).  Danielle's coaching business, Friend Forward, is dedicated to teaching women how to create and maintain better female friendships.  Danielle recommends that parents should be intentional with their time.  She says it's challenging to be available to everyone when they are focusing on raising children.  She advises parents to choose a few close friends to spend time with to avoid becoming overwhelmed by too many obligations.  She also encourages parents to reframe what spending time with friends looks like.  Perhaps running errands with a friend is more feasible than planning a four-hour brunch on a Saturday.  She highlights that friends don't need to be entertained, they just want to spend time together.  Danielle gives down to earth advice that is very helpful for parents.   Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you considered how your endocrine system might affect your fertility or pregnancy?  Today we dive into the topic of endocrine disruptors and how they may adversely affect your system.   Although these endocrine disruptors are everywhere in our environment, the good news is there are ways to limit your exposure.  Our guest today shares practical tips that you can use immediately to limit your exposure to these environmental factors.  She gives great advice on how to find a healthy balance that will benefit your family and the next generation.   To have this conversation, we welcome Sarah Thompson on this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies.  Sarah is a board-certified diplomat of oriental medicine, certified functional medicine practitioner, and birth doula. She is also the author of Functional Maternity – Using Functional Medicine and Nutrition to Improve Pregnancy and Childbirth Outcomes. Sarah recommends that parents should try to control what they can in their environment and let go of what they cannot control.  Although it may seem daunting, she believes the goal is to give kids the best chance at success by limiting their exposure to toxins.  She says parents are able to control what goes into their bodies and on their skin, which will give them the opportunity to reduce damage caused by harmful chemicals.  She advises parents not to be too hard on themselves if they aren't always able to make the best choices because the journey will not be perfect.   Sarah shares ways parents can limit their exposure to damaging elements in a way that is accessible and easy to understand.  I'm excited for you to hear this discussion.   Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you considered using midwifery care for your birth?  Perhaps you have questions about what a midwife does or how they differ from a traditional OBGYN.  Today we are going to talk all about midwives.  I think midwives are fantastic, they hold a special place in my heart because my own births were attended by a midwife.  In this conversation we will dive deeper into the midwifery model of care.  What is a midwife?  What are some misconceptions around midwifery care?  How does midwifery differ from a more traditional OBGYN?  What is a midwife's involvement in labor and birth?  Who's a good candidate to work with a midwife?  We got you covered on so many topics about midwifery, if you had any doubt of what midwifery was, by the end of this conversation you will be crystal clear. Casey is full of passion and knowledge, I am really excited for you to hear her perspective and all her wonderful ideas!  To have this conversation, I have Casey Selzer joining us today on Yoga| Birth| Babies.  Casey Selzer, CNM, is a midwife with over 15 years of clinical experience.  She has worked in both private practice and public health care models including in hospital birth centers.  She has a passion for education and has served as adjunct faculty at the Columbia University School of Nursing.  Casey encourages parents to spend time in the third trimester building a birth team and a labor tool kit for a positive birth experience.  Nonetheless, she also stresses the importance of planning for the postpartum phase.  Although deciding what kind of birthing experience to have is imperative, she believes it is equally important to build a postpartum plan.  She encourages parents to consider what resources and support they will need to create a village for their family.  She mentions that this part of parenthood is often overlooked, however, she thinks it is critical for parents to build relationships and partnerships that will surround them with community.     Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back with my favorite type of podcast episode, a birth story!  We've been able to create an amazing community of students here at PYC.  I see many of these students twice, sometimes three time a week.  I get to know them, hear their stories, listen to their concerns and I am able to share with them what I've learned.  Today we have Katie Lohiya, sharing her birth story.  She has been part of our PYC community since she was 13 weeks pregnant.  She attended class 2-3 times per week, even when she wasn't in NYC she would join online, which I absolutely adored. I was able get to know Katie well.  We have a similar background, we are both dancers and performers and I resonated with her.  When I asked her to share her birth story she said “absolutely.” Katie tells a beautiful birth story.  I am deeply honored that as she was explaining her story, her time at PYC was very much interwoven into her birth.  I am very appreciative that the time we spent together helped her throughout her labor experience.  On today's episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, we've invited Katie Lohiya, one of our community members.  She is originally from Chicago but has lived in NYC for 14 years.  Katie graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with a BFA in Dance.  Before having her daughter, she danced professionally for a contemporary company (Lydia Johnson Dance) and has taught extensively throughout NYC.  She's been married to her husband Vaibhav for 10 years and they live on the Upper West Side. Katie recommends that parents trust their instincts when it comes to pregnancy, birth and parenthood.  She points out that there is so much information to sift through, that it helps to tap into their own intuition.  Whether it's finding the right provider, advocating for themselves in labor, or getting a second opinion from a pediatrician, she believes that if parents trust their inner voice they will ultimately make the best decision for their family.  Katie's story is heartfelt and candid.  I'm really excited for you to hear her story, it's very special! Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does the health of the pelvic floor impact birth?  It is so important to have a healthy pelvic floor in order to have a functional birth and a healthy body.  This is one of my favorite topics!  If you've been a listener of Yoga| Birth| Babies, you know that anytime I have an opportunity to talk about the pelvic floor, I will bring an expert on to do so.  Not only have I picked the brain of many experts on this topic, I have taken multiple certifications focused on pelvic floor health. Today we will talk about the function of the pelvic floor, how it impacts birth, how to prepare the pelvic floor for birth and ways to relax the pelvic floor.  We will also discuss Kegels and their role in pelvic floor balance. To have this conversation, I have Kara Mortifoglio joining us today on Yoga| Birth| Babies. Kara is a pelvic health specialist, and co-owns a physical therapy practice in Manhattan, Long Island and Westchester.  She specializes in treating all pelvic floor disorders including pregnancy, postpartum, bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction. Kara believes that as parents get closer to the birth of their baby, it's really important to allow their bodies to rest.  Avoiding Kegels as well as vigorous activity can help the pelvic floor be relaxed for labor.  She points out that the more relaxed the pelvic floor is, often times the easier the delivery will be.  She thinks that less is more when preparing the pelvic floor for birth.  Kara and I have a really great conversation, I think you are going to get a lot of useful information out of it!  Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you do strength training while pregnant?  Today we will talk about strength training for pregnancy, birth and beyond.  This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart because I believe that strength training can help prepare your body for birth, help you be more comfortable during pregnancy, and help you rehab postpartum.  In this conversation we will discuss common misconceptions about strength training during pregnancy, including safe practices, warning signs and when to return to strength training postpartum.   To dive into this conversation on Yoga| Birth| Babies, we have Nicole Scheitlin.  She is the Founder of Strong Mama Wellness and mom of two. Nicole is a Certified Exercise Physiologist, Pre/Postnatal Fitness Specialist, and Health Coach with over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry. Nicole would like to encourage new parents to think of exercise as a way to support their bodies through their natural changes and move away from seeing exercise as a way to achieve an aesthetic goal.  She would like parents to switch their mindset and view exercise as a powerful way to support their bodies and energy levels through parenthood.  You will get so much out of this conversation! You are going to walk away feeling empowered to exercise and know that this can help prepare you for the path ahead.    Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parents are you thinking about your child's growth and development and how to help them hit their milestones?  Our guest today is an occupational therapist who focuses on sensory play for babies.  In this discussion she talks about why sensory play is important for your baby and how you can integrate it into your daily activities.  She reviews the different senses and shares that there are actually eight of them, I thought there were only five!  We also have a conversation about the importance of toys and how they have an impact on your child's development and sensory awareness.   Little secret, when it comes to toys, less is more and without batteries is even better.   We welcome Allie Ticktin on this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies.  Allie is an occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration.  She is the founder of Play 2 Progress and the author of the book, ‘Play to Progress: Lead Your Child to Success Using the Power of Sensory Play.'Allie believes that the best way to support children is by arming their parents, from inception, with the knowledge and skills necessary to encourage their child's development for success through childhood and beyond. She highly recommends that parents spend time on the floor with their babies.  She encourages them to make it a technology free zone and to lay on the floor with their babies face to face.  As they get older that will continue to evolve.  She says when in doubt, get on the floor and start playing!  Allie has a lot of really great down to earth information that I think you will find super valuable.   Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices