In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa, a DONA-International certified birth doula and childbirth educator, guides expecting mothers through a calming meditation practice. Today's meditation focuses on connecting with your body and baby, releasing tension, and fostering a sense of calm through a full body scan. Vanessa emphasizes gratitude for the body's work during pregnancy and offers a soothing relaxation technique to carry through the day. 

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa, a hospital-based birth doula and childbirth educator, introduces special guest Dr. Gabby, a vitalistic chiropractor and founder of the inside space: a family chiropractic studio. They delve into the significance of nervous system regulation in pregnancy, childbirth, and infant care. Dr. Gabby explains how the nervous system impacts bodily functions and how chiropractic care can help mothers and babies perceive safety and improve overall well-being. They also discuss the holistic approach to addressing tongue-tie in infants, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body. The conversation highlights the importance of maternal instincts and the supportive birth community in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Gabby shares her journey and future plans for expanding her practice to continue serving families with compassionate care.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa guides expectant mothers through a serene gratitude meditation. Designed to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for their bodies, babies, and the journey of pregnancy, listeners are encouraged to find a comfortable position, relax, and connect with their breath. The meditation focuses on recognizing the incredible work the body does during pregnancy, the growing bond with the baby, and the support from loved ones. Vanessa also highlights the importance of self-appreciation and provides a calming ritual to carry throughout the day. Tune in to feel supported, informed, and empowered on this transformative journey.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa, a Certified Birth Doula and Certified Childbirth Educator, answers common questions from expecting parents. She provides an explanation on how to find hospital C-section rates, the implications of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) on your care plan, and what to consider if your provider schedules a 39-week induction without proper discussion. Vanessa emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making, discussing the use of the BRAINS acronym to evaluate medical procedures and interventions. Tune in for resources, advice, and encouragement to help you navigate your pregnancy and birth journey.

Vanessa, a hospital-based, DONA-International certified birth doula and childbirth educator, introduces the practice of box breathing to help expectant parents release anxieties and find calm. Vanessa shares her personal experience from a recent prenatal yoga teacher training and guides listeners through a detailed box breathing exercise. This meditation aims to help listeners create a mental space to let go of burdens and invite peace and clarity. Tune in for a soothing session designed to support you through your pregnancy journey.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa, an experienced birth doula, delves into her personal journey with infertility following an endometriosis diagnosis. Vanessa shares her mantra 'one good egg, perfect timing, and a clear path,' and breaks down the steps she took to improve egg quality, track her cycle, and clear her reproductive path. She recounts her emotional highs and lows, the importance of intuitive and modern medical practices, and ultimately finding success through excision surgery and lifestyle changes. Vanessa's story is one of hope and perseverance, aimed to inspire and support those on similar journeys.

In this week’s guided meditation, we’ll take a mindful journey through the comforting process of preparing a warm, hearty vegetable soup. From harvesting fresh ingredients in a vibrant garden to chopping, stirring, and savoring the aromas in a cozy kitchen, this meditation invites you to connect with the nurturing energy of the earth and the life growing within you.

Vanessa distinguishes between the non-medical support of doulas and the medical care provided by midwives and obstetricians, explaining various midwife credentials. Vanessa also discusses when to head to the hospital during labor, what VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) entails, and stresses the importance of informed decisions and finding the right provider.

This episode guides expectant mothers and birthing people through a calming breath awareness meditation. The meditation aims to help mothers connect with their breath, calm their minds, and nurture their growing baby. Listeners are encouraged to find a comfortable position, focus on their breath with 4-second inhale and 6-8 second exhale rhythm. The episode concludes with deep breathing exercises to cultivate a sense of calm, relaxation, and connection with their baby.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Brianna and Zak Briggs join us from Iowa. They candidly share their path to parenthood, dealing with infertility and advocating for the right care, ultimately leading to the unmedicated hospital birth of their son, Landon. They discuss the importance of holistic care approaches involving acupuncture, chiropractic care, and extensive childbirth education. Brianna provides insights into labor positions, the impact of partner support, and navigating the postpartum phase. This episode is rich with advice on trusting your intuition, informed consent, and preparing for birth holistically.

In this episode, Olivia (Libby) Atley of BusyBÿ, LLC recounts her personal journey from a career in dance to becoming a full spectrum doula, herbalist, Reiki master, and yoga instructor. Olivia discusses the challenges she faced as a pregnant dancer, the transformative experience of discovering yoga, and the epiphany that led her to doula work. She emphasizes the importance of having a supportive birth team, the misconceptions about self-sufficiency in birth, practical tips for creating a calm and empowered birth experience, and ways to build a supportive village during pregnancy and postpartum. Olivia also shares insights on funding doula services through HSAs, FSAs, and baby registries, and passionately discusses the need for systemic changes in maternity care, including the inclusion of doulas in surgical births. Her dedication is fueled by a desire to ensure that future generations can experience safe and supported births without fear.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. Podcast, Vanessa (Breath & Birth Co. Founder and Endo Warrior) narrates her extensive 15-year journey to an endometriosis diagnosis. She shares critical information about endometriosis, including its symptoms, misdiagnosis issues, and the importance of excision surgery. Vanessa discusses her personal experiences with symptoms, diet and lifestyle changes, and the eventual surgical process that led to her positive pregnancy outcome. The episode aims to spread awareness, offer insights for those on similar journeys, and provides encouragement to seek proper diagnosis and care. Join Vanessa as she inspires and informs listeners about navigating the challenges of endometriosis and pregnancy.

It is far too common for birth care providers to say one thing during pregnancy and do another during labor & delivery (called the bait-and-switch). Learn some of the red flags so you can find someone more aligned with your pregnancy & birth values sooner rather than later.