This calming body scan meditation is designed to help you rest deeply, release tension, and connect with your baby. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply need a quiet moment, this practice invites you to slow down and surrender to your body’s innate wisdom during pregnancy. Together, we’ll gently scan each part of your body—from head to toe—sending gratitude, breath, and trust. You’ll leave this meditation feeling grounded, supported, and connected to the sacred work your body is doing.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co Podcast, host Vanessa, a hospital-based DONA-certified birth doula, is joined by Daisy Vance, an experienced birth doula and certified breastfeeding counselor from Westerville, Ohio. They explore crucial topics such as the importance of selecting a supportive care provider, the value of prenatal and postpartum support services, and practical tips for making the most of prenatal appointments. Daisy shares her journey into birth work, emphasizing the significance of seeking aligned and supportive care, including recommendations for additional resources like chiropractors, massage therapists, and supportive community groups. Join the conversation to feel informed, supported, and empowered on your pregnancy journey.

In this episode of The Breath and Birth Co Podcast, hospital-based DONA-International Certified Birth Doula Vanessa leads listeners through a calming guided meditation. Tailored for expectant mothers, this meditation focuses on surrendering to the birthing process and trusting your body's natural wisdom. Vanessa provides step-by-step instructions to help you relax, release tension, and build confidence in your body's ability to birth. Tune in to feel supported, informed, and empowered on your pregnancy and birth journey.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth co podcast, Vanessa, a hospital-based, DONA-certified birth doula, and childbirth educator, delves into the topic of endometriosis. She answers common questions about the signs, symptoms, and diagnosis of the disease, and discusses various treatment options, including excision surgery. She also discusses how endometriosis affects pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. Vanessa shares insights from her own 15-year journey to diagnosis and encourages listeners to advocate for themselves. The episode emphasizes the importance of having a supportive care team and the impact of lifestyle adjustments on managing symptoms. For more details, listeners are encouraged to check the show notes and previous podcast Episode 1 Beginning, Middle, Endo and Episode 7 One Good Egg, Perfect Timing, and a Clear Path.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co podcast, Vanessa, a Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator, guides listeners through a calming color meditation. This meditation is designed to bring peace, connection, and energy to expectant mothers by visualizing a chosen color. The episode begins with breathing exercises, then leads into the meditation where the color evolves through different imagery and interacts with the body.

In this World Doula Week 2025 episode of the Breath and Birth co podcast, Vanessa welcomes Kelli Blinn, an experienced birth doula and childbirth educator from Columbus, Ohio. Kelli shares her journey into birth work, inspired by her childhood fascination with the pregnant body and childbirth. They discuss the differences between home births and hospital births, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, education, and personalized care in the childbirth process. Kelli highlights the significance of mental health support, the role of partners, and introduces her new self-paced online childbirth education course. The episode underscores the value of being informed and prepared, advocating for oneself, and the profound transformation that childbirth entails for both the birthing person and their partners. Tune in for a rich discussion aimed at empowering and supporting expectant families through their unique birth journeys.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth co podcast, Vanessa, a certified birth doula and childbirth educator, guides listeners through a calming meditation inspired by her recent completion of an 85-hour prenatal yoga teacher training. Vanessa shares the details of her new pregnancy retreat called 'Becoming,' aimed at fostering calm, confidence, and connection for expectant mothers. The episode includes a soothing visualization of a butterfly's metamorphosis, encouraging listeners to embrace their own journey of transformation during pregnancy.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa connects with Missy Gallow, a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist and Co-Owner of Misama Physical Therapy in Clintonville, OH. Missy shares her deeply personal and transformative birth stories, including her experiences with a twin birth via elective C-section and her subsequent plans for a home birth after C-section (HBAC). The discussion traverses her struggles with infertility, the intricate decision-making process around birth interventions, and the emotional and physical challenges during her lengthy labor. Missy provides insight into the importance of mental preparation, advocacy, and finding the right support system. Through her story, listeners gain valuable lessons on navigating birth choices, understanding the nuances of medical interventions, and the profound impact of postpartum care.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, hospital-based birth doula and childbirth educator Vanessa leads a guided meditation designed for expectant mothers. Listeners are invited to imagine a mindful walk through a vibrant field of wildflowers, connecting with the serene energy of nature and the life growing within them. The meditation focuses on engaging all senses to foster relaxation and mindfulness, helping mothers and birthers to nurture a deep connection with their baby. 

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa introduces Caroline Pitts of Peaceful Doula Care. They discuss Caroline's journey to becoming a doula, the philosophies of Lamaze, and practical advice for expecting mothers. They also address common misconceptions and the importance of postpartum preparation. Listeners are encouraged to engage with childbirth education to feel empowered and supported throughout their pregnancy and birth experiences.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa – a certified birth doula and childbirth educator – guides expectant mothers through a serene, nature-inspired meditation designed to foster a deep connection with their growing baby. Listeners are invited to engage all their senses on a mindful journey through a peaceful woodland trail, embracing the calming sounds, scents, and sights of nature. This episode aims to provide a sense of peace, wellbeing, and connection, encouraging mothers to nurture both their body and soul during pregnancy. Subscribe to the podcast for more meditations, insights, and inspirational birth stories.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa, a Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator, addresses key questions about labor and birth. Vanessa explores essential topics including informed consent, the importance of cervical checks, and what constitutes a Bishop score. She explains your rights throughout the birthing process, stressing the significance of bodily autonomy and informed decision-making. Additionally, Vanessa provides insights into the three crucial measurements taken during a cervical check—dilation, effacement, and station—and how they can affect labor. The episode concludes with a detailed look at the Bishop score and how it can predict the likelihood of a successful induction. Vanessa also highlights the value of comprehensive childbirth education and introduces her online course, 'Metamorphosis'.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa, a Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator, addresses key questions about labor and birth. Vanessa explores essential topics including informed consent, the importance of cervical checks, and what constitutes a Bishop score. She explains your rights throughout the birthing process, stressing the significance of bodily autonomy and informed decision-making. Additionally, Vanessa provides insights into the three crucial measurements taken during a cervical check—dilation, effacement, and station—and how they can affect labor. The episode concludes with a detailed look at the Bishop score and how it can predict the likelihood of a successful induction. Vanessa also highlights the value of comprehensive childbirth education and introduces her online course, 'Metamorphosis'.

In this episode of The Breath & Birth Co. Podcast, we invite you to unwind with a gentle guided sleep meditation designed specifically for pregnancy. As an expectant mother/birther, your body is constantly changing, and finding deep rest can sometimes feel out of reach. This meditation will help you: release tension from head to toe, connect with your breath to calm your nervous system, create a peaceful space for both you and your baby, drift into deep, restful sleep. Find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and allow yourself to surrender into relaxation. You are safe, supported, and deeply loved.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa, an experienced birth doula and childbirth educator, talks with fellow doula Megan Neal of Birth Your Way about their experiences in the birth support field, including inspirations, challenges, and the importance of advocacy. Megan shares her journey into birth work, misconceptions about labor, and the roles of support partners. They discuss the importance of developing confidence, creating a calm birthing environment, and building a supportive village during pregnancy. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of doulas and other professionals, like pelvic health therapists, in supporting a positive birth experience. Vanessa and Megan offer practical advice for birthing individuals and their partners to feel empowered and informed throughout the pregnancy and birthing process.

In this episode of The Breath & Birth Co. Podcast, we are dedicating time to cultivate loving-kindness (Metta) meditation—a gentle yet powerful practice designed to nurture both you and your baby with warmth, compassion, and peace. Pregnancy is a season of transformation, and this meditation invites you to soften, breathe deeply, and embrace yourself with kindness.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa is joined by Chelsea Skaggs, a life and relationship coach from Postpartum Together. They discuss the importance of grace and letting go of perfectionism in early parenthood. Topics include dealing with societal pressures, navigating changes in relationships, and managing parent guilt. Chelsea shares insights from her background in psychology and sociology, and offers practical advice for maintaining a healthy family dynamic. They also highlight the significance of understanding personal and family values, and how to shift from a 'to-do' list to a 'to-be' list. The episode concludes with information on how listeners can connect with Chelsea for individual or couples coaching, and additional resources.

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.