In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa, a Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator, speaks with Alyssa Broadwater, a Registered Dietitian specializing in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum nutrition. Alyssa shares her personal journey into this field, important nutritional aspects for both men and women in preparing for conception, and practical dietary recommendations. Topics include the significance of a good prenatal vitamin, managing conditions like endometriosis and PCOS, and ways male partners can support during the fertility journey. Tune in to gain insights on optimizing health for pregnancy and beyond.

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 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 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, 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, 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 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, 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, 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.