Kids & FamilyParentingHealth & Fitness

Yoga Birth Babies

Deb Flashenberg and Independent Podcast Network

Take ownership of your pregnancy, birth, and parenthood! Join Deb Flashenberg as she dives into conversations with some of the world’s leading pregnancy, birth, yoga and parenting experts. Deb and her guests are voices of calm and reason, sharing practical, relevant, insightful and evidence based information that is helpful for people at all stages of parenting. These lively conversations will inform and entertain you as you embark on this new phase in your life.

Deb is the founder and director of the Prenatal Yoga Center in NYC, a labor support doula, Lamaze childbirth educator, Spinning Babies Parent Educator, prenatal yoga teacher and mother of 2. Please visit Prenatalyogacenter.com

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#507
Wednesday · 56 min
Diastasis Recti and the Pelvic Floor with Dr. Sarah Duvall | A Re-Release
Diastasis recti and pelvic floor health are two topics that come up frequently during pregnancy and postpartum, but there is often confusion about how they are connected and what it actually takes to heal. In this re-release, we revisit our conversation with women’s health and fitness specialist Dr. Sarah Duvall to break down the relationship between the abdominal wall, core strength, posture, and pelvic floor function. Sarah explains what diastasis recti is, what can contribute to or worsen abdominal separation, and how genetics, posture, and the way we use our bodies can influence recovery. We also explore how diastasis can affect pelvic floor function and how someone experiencing pelvic floor tightness can work on core activation without creating additional tension. This episode is brought to you by beYogi offering professional liability insurance designed specifically for yoga teachers and wellness professionals. Whether you’re already teaching or just beginning your teacher training, beYogi helps protect you so you can focus on supporting your students. Yoga Birth Babies listeners receive $20 off an exclusive professional insurance membership. Visit beYogi.com/yogabirthbabies (https://beyogi.com/yogabirthbabies) to claim your discount. 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, Tik Tok, & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#506
September 23 · 1 hr 6 min
How to Increase the Chances of a Vaginal Birth in the Hospital with Dr. Melanie Jackson
What can you do to support a physiologic birth when you’re planning to give birth in a hospital? In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, we’re joined by Dr. Melanie Jackson, also known as Melanie the Midwife, to explore the preparation, environment, movement, support, and mindset that can help create the conditions for labor to unfold as physiologically as possible. Melanie and Deb talk about the nervous system and hormonal blueprint of labor, knowing when to head to the hospital, creating a calmer birth environment, and how partners and doulas can help protect “labor land.” They also discuss movement and positioning during labor—including when someone has an epidural or continuous monitoring—as well as the importance of rest and conserving energy during a long labor. We also unpack the cascade of interventions, how common hospital routines can influence labor, and questions parents can ask so they feel informed and involved in their care. Throughout the conversation, Melanie and Deb return to an important idea: birth is not something we can completely control. Supporting physiologic birth is not about guaranteeing a particular outcome, but about creating supportive conditions while remaining flexible when circumstances change. They also discuss how to hold space for medical intervention or cesarean birth when it is the safest option, and what can help parents feel positive and supported in their birth experience regardless of how it unfolds. This episode is brought to you by beYogi offering professional liability insurance designed specifically for yoga teachers and wellness professionals. Whether you’re already teaching or just beginning your teacher training, beYogi helps protect you so you can focus on supporting your students. Yoga Birth Babies listeners receive $20 off an exclusive professional insurance membership. Visit beYogi.com/yogabirthbabies (https://beyogi.com/yogabirthbabies) to claim your discount. 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, Tik Tok, & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: ⁠⁠Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#505
September 16 · 55 min
Stillbirth Awareness: What Every Expectant Parent Should Know with Liz O'Donnell
Stillbirth is a topic that many expectant parents know very little about, yet it is an important part of pregnancy education and care. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, we’re joined by Liz O’Donnell, co-founder and Director of Education of PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy, to have an open and empowering conversation about stillbirth prevention, awareness, and how parents can feel more informed throughout pregnancy. Liz shares the story behind her work and the mission of PUSH, while helping us understand what we know about stillbirth risk, prevention, and the progress that has been made in recent years. We talk about fetal movement and kick counts, signs that deserve attention, communicating concerns with your healthcare provider, and how to advocate for yourself when something doesn’t feel right—all while approaching these topics in a way that supports informed decision-making without creating unnecessary fear. This episode is brought to you by beYogi offering professional liability insurance designed specifically for yoga teachers and wellness professionals. Whether you’re already teaching or just beginning your teacher training, beYogi helps protect you so you can focus on supporting your students. Yoga Birth Babies listeners receive $20 off an exclusive professional insurance membership. Visit beYogi.com/yogabirthbabies (https://beyogi.com/yogabirthbabies) to claim your discount. 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, Tik Tok, & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: ⁠Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#504
September 9 · 1 hr 8 min
Birth Story: How I Healed After a Difficult Birth and Approached My Next Pregnancy Differently with Caitlyn Sunseri
In this deeply personal episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, we sit down with Caitlyn Sunseri, a doula and prenatal yoga teacher based in Bakersfield, CA, to talk about healing after a difficult birth and how that healing shaped a completely different second birth experience. Caitlyn opens up about her first birth with her son Ryder, the vision she held for it, and how reality diverged from that vision, and the years of emotional processing that followed as she prepared to grow her family again. The conversation traces Caitlyn’s path from birth trauma recovery to becoming a doula and prenatal yoga teacher, and how that professional journey became intertwined with her own personal healing. She shares candidly about what it took to face the fear that history might repeat itself, the education and advocacy tools she leaned on the second time around, and what it meant to walk into the very same hospital room years later, this time experiencing the golden hour she’d missed the first time with her daughter Chloe. This episode is a must-listen for anyone processing a hard birth story, preparing for a subsequent pregnancy after trauma, or simply looking to feel less alone in the complicated emotions that can follow childbirth. Caitlyn’s story is one of resilience, self-advocacy, and the power of informed, supported birth. This episode is brought to you by beYogi offering professional liability insurance designed specifically for yoga teachers and wellness professionals. Whether you’re already teaching or just beginning your teacher training, beYogi helps protect you so you can focus on supporting your students. Yoga Birth Babies listeners receive $20 off an exclusive professional insurance membership. Visit beYogi.com/yogabirthbabies (https://beyogi.com/yogabirthbabies) to claim your discount. 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
#503
September 2 · 47 min
Pushing Tips for Labor with Liz Wade and Shaina Brickner - A Revisit
Pushing is one of the most anticipated and often most misunderstood stages of labor. In this episode, we sit down with Liz Wade and Shaina Brickner, The Birth Nurses, to break down what effective pushing actually looks like, what tends to go wrong, and how positioning can make all the difference in how labor unfolds. Liz and Shaina share what they commonly see in the delivery room that isn’t always working in a birthing person’s favor, and they explain the real risks of ineffective pushing so you know what to watch for and why technique matters. They also demystify a phrase many people hear from their care provider: that you can push in any position, but may need to shift for delivery, and offer practical language for how to advocate for the birthing positions and breathing techniques (including moving away from valsalva breathing) that feel right for your body. To bring it all together, they share their own pushing-stage birth stories, offering an honest, relatable look at how different the experience can be from what you might expect. In this episode, we discuss: What effective (and ineffective) pushing looks like in practice The potential risks of ineffective pushing How to interpret care provider guidance around birthing positions How to talk to your provider about alternatives to valsalva breathing Liz and Shaina’s own pushing-stage birth stories Their top piece of advice for new and expectant parents This episode is brought to you by beYogi offering professional liability insurance designed specifically for yoga teachers and wellness professionals. Whether you’re already teaching or just beginning your teacher training, beYogi helps protect you so you can focus on supporting your students. Yoga Birth Babies listeners receive $20 off an exclusive professional insurance membership. Visit beYogi.com/yogabirthbabies (https://beyogi.com/yogabirthbabies) to claim your discount. 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
#502
August 26 · 45 min
What Acupuncture Can (and Can't) Do During Pregnancy
In this episode, we’re joined by Nicole Kruck, L.Ac., L.M.T., founder of Fertile Garden Wellness in New York City, for a warm and informative conversation about acupuncture, bodywork, and integrative care throughout fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Nicole shares how she approaches women’s health through an integrative lens and explains how acupuncture and bodywork can complement fertility treatments, IVF, obstetric care, and postpartum recovery. We take a closer look at two common reasons expectant parents seek acupuncture: breech presentation and preparation for induction. Nicole explains the potential role of acupuncture and moxibustion in supporting breech positioning, when these approaches are typically considered, and what we currently know about the research. We also discuss acupuncture for birth preparation, when it may not be appropriate, and the importance of honoring the limits of what any treatment can accomplish. Throughout the conversation, Nicole emphasizes a balanced approach—exploring supportive options while working alongside conventional medical care and recognizing that pregnancy and birth don't always unfold according to plan. It’s a conversation about informed choices, whole-person support, and finding ways to feel grounded during a time filled with uncertainty and change. • 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
#501
August 19 · 41 min
Understanding Birth Trauma and How to Heal After with Dr. Kenga Sivarajah
A difficult or traumatic birth experience can have an impact long after the baby is born. In this episode, Deb sits down with Dr. Kenga Sivarajah, a Consultant Obstetrician with expertise in high-risk obstetrics, maternal medicine, and perinatal mental health, to explore what birth trauma can look like, why it can be difficult to recognize, and what healing can involve. Dr. Sivarajah brings both an obstetric and psychiatric perspective to the conversation, offering a holistic look at the connection between the physical experience of birth, the nervous system, and postpartum mental health. Together, they discuss why parents may feel dismissed when they share a difficult birth experience, how trauma can show up in the weeks and months after birth, and what meaningful postpartum support should look like. They also explore what birth preparation can—and can't—do to help, when psychiatric support may be appropriate, the role of medication and non-medication approaches, and how partners and birth professionals can recognize when someone needs additional care. Most importantly, this conversation reinforces that a healthy baby does not erase the emotional impact of a difficult birth, and that parents deserve support in processing what happened. 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
#499
August 12 · 58 min
Why We Want to Control Pregnancy, Birth and Parenthood with Dr. Britta Bushnell - A Revisit
In a world where information is always at our fingertips, it's easy to believe that if we just learn enough, plan enough, and prepare enough, we can control pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. But what if the real work is learning to embrace the unknown? In this episode, Deb is joined by Dr. Britta Bushnell, author of Transformed by Birth, childbirth educator, and relationship guide, for a thoughtful conversation about our culture's desire for certainty—and why letting go of control may be one of the greatest preparations for becoming a parent. Together, they explore how social media and constant access to information have changed the way people approach pregnancy and birth, sometimes making it harder to trust their own instincts. Dr. Bushnell shares how she helps families shift from trying to control every outcome to developing the resilience, flexibility, and self-trust needed to navigate the inevitable surprises of pregnancy, birth, and parenting. This episode is a compassionate reminder that while knowledge is valuable, confidence often comes from learning to meet the unexpected with curiosity rather than fear. 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
#500
August 5 · 43 min
Birth Story: From Triage to Baby in Minutes with Eyal Meir
Birth can be wonderfully unpredictable. In this Community Birth Story episode, Deb sits down with Eyal Meir, an IBCLC and prenatal and postpartum nutritionist, to hear the incredible story of her second birth—from arriving at triage to meeting her baby just minutes later. Eyal reflects on how this pregnancy differed from her first, how prior birth experience shaped her mindset, and the surprising ways preparation showed up when labor moved much faster than expected. Together, they explore the role of prenatal yoga and childbirth education in building confidence, the power of trusting your body, and what postpartum recovery has looked like the second time around. Whether you're preparing for your first birth or wondering how a subsequent birth may be different, Eyal's story is a reassuring reminder that while birth can unfold unexpectedly, preparation and self-trust can help you meet the moment with confidence. 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
#498
July 29 · 50 min
Demystifying Labor: What an OB-GYN Wants You to Know Before Birth with Dr. Jennifer Lincoln
Labor can feel mysterious, overwhelming, and full of conflicting advice. In this episode, Deb sits down with board-certified OB-GYN and IBCLC Dr. Jennifer Lincoln to separate fact from fiction and discuss what every expectant parent should know before giving birth. Drawing from her new book, The Birth Book, Dr. Lincoln offers evidence-based guidance to help parents approach labor with greater confidence, flexibility, and understanding. Together, they explore common misconceptions about labor, the purpose of a birth plan, pain management options, and how movement- including yoga- can support the body during pregnancy and birth. Dr. Lincoln also shares practical advice on advocating for yourself in the hospital, preparing for the realities of postpartum, and how partners can play a meaningful role throughout the birth experience. This conversation is packed with reassuring, accessible information to help parents feel informed- not intimidated- as they prepare to welcome their baby. 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
#497
July 22 · 56 min
Stop Normalizing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction with Dr. Sneha Gazi
Many people are told that leaking urine, pelvic pain, or feeling "off" after pregnancy is simply something they have to live with- but that's far from the truth. In this episode, Deb sits down with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Sneha Gazi to unpack some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding pelvic floor health during pregnancy and postpartum. Together, they explore what pelvic floor dysfunction actually looks like, why it's so often normalized, and how small changes can make a big difference. Dr. Gazi explains how the pelvic floor works in harmony with the breath, posture, and the rest of the body, challenging the idea that more Kegels are always the answer. She also shares practical ways to support pelvic health throughout pregnancy, what realistic postpartum recovery can look like, and the subtle signs that it's time to seek professional support. This empowering conversation reminds parents that pain and dysfunction are common- but they are not normal, and help is available. 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
#496
July 15 · 40 min
Community Birth Story: She Went to a Routine Appointment- and Left with a Baby! with Elena Santoro
Birth doesn't always begin the way we imagine it will. In this Community Birth Story episode, Deb sits down with Elena Santoro to hear the story of how a routine 38-week prenatal appointment unexpectedly turned into the birth of her baby. What began as a regular check-up quickly shifted into an induction, requiring Elena to adjust her expectations and embrace an entirely different birth experience than the one she had envisioned. Elena reflects on preparing for birth, navigating the emotions of an unexpected induction, and the support that helped her stay grounded throughout labor. She also shares a poignant moment of thinking about her family back in Rome as she welcomed her baby in New York, and offers reassurance for parents who worry about birth not going according to plan. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that while birth may be unpredictable, flexibility, support, and trust can help carry you through. 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
#495
July 8 · 59 min
Revisiting: Managing Tantrums According To Science with Dr. Cindy Hovington
Tantrums are a normal part of childhood, but that doesn't make them any easier to navigate. In this episode, we revisit a valuable episode “from the vault,” in which Deb sits down with Dr. Cindy Hovington to explore the science behind tantrums and emotional regulation. Together, they unpack what's actually happening in a child's brain during a meltdown and why understanding brain development can help parents respond with more confidence and compassion. Dr. Hovington explains how self-regulation develops over time, why transitions can be especially challenging for young children, and the important role parents play in helping kids build emotional regulation skills. She also shares practical strategies for staying calm during difficult moments, making sense of what triggered a tantrum, and recognizing when a child's behavior may warrant additional support. This conversation offers science-backed insights that can help parents approach big emotions with greater understandingand a little less stress. 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
#494
July 1 · 42 min
Why Some Kids Get Support and Others Don’t- and What Parents Can Do with Paula Yost
Before your child ever needs extra support, it's helpful to understand how to navigate the systems designed to help them. In this episode, Deb speaks with attorney and mental health clinician Paula Yost about Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), advocating within the school system, and how parents can confidently speak up when they know something isn't quite right. Paula shares practical guidance on recognizing early signs that a child may benefit from additional support, preparing for IEP meetings, and working collaboratively with educators while understanding your rights. She also discusses the importance of trauma-informed education, when to seek additional advocacy, and how parents can build a strong support network throughout the process. Whether you're already navigating special education or simply want to be prepared for the future, this conversation offers valuable insights into advocating for your child's unique needs. 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
#493
June 24 · 59 min
The Story Behind the PYC Method: A Conversation with Deb & Phoebe
What makes the Prenatal Yoga Center Teacher Training so unique? In this special episode, Deb sits down with PYC graduate and mentor Phoebe to explore her journey through the training and how it transformed her approach to teaching yoga. Together, they discuss the evolution of the PYC Method, the shift to hybrid learning during the pandemic, and why the training continues to resonate with yoga teachers seeking a deeper understanding of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum experience. Phoebe shares what surprised her most about the program- from the depth of anatomy and pelvic floor education to learning how to build classes based on the needs of the students in front of her rather than relying on predetermined sequences. The conversation also explores the transition from trainee to teacher and mentor, highlighting the power of community, adaptability, and lifelong learning in prenatal yoga education. 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
#492
June 17 · 52 min
How Expectations Shape Birth- and What Happens When Reality Doesn’t Match Them with Robin Gibson Douthit
Birth rarely unfolds exactly as we imagine, yet many expectant parents enter labor with expectations shaped by stories, social media, classes, and conversations with care providers. In this episode, Deb sits down with doula, Lamaze childbirth educator, and lactation counselor Robin Gibson Douthit to explore how those expectations influence the birth experience—and what happens when reality takes a different path. Robin shares how informed decision-making, advocacy, and collaborative care can help parents navigate the unpredictability of labor with confidence. Together, they discuss the difference between guidance and pressure, what true informed consent looks like in practice, and how strong relationships with care providers can shape both expectations and outcomes. This conversation offers practical insights for preparing for birth in a way that balances knowledge, flexibility, and trust in the process. 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
#491
June 10 · 56 min
How to Travel with Kids with Bri Hepworth of Mini Voyager
Travel looks different once kids enter the picture- but that doesn’t mean adventure has to stop. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, Deb sits down with Bri Hepworth, mom of four and founder of Mini Voyager, to talk about the realities of traveling with children and how families can make trips feel more enjoyable, flexible, and memorable. Bri shares how her perspective on travel evolved after becoming a parent, the biggest challenges families face on the road, and practical strategies for navigating everything from naps and long travel days to packing and managing expectations. Together, they explore why successful family travel isn’t about perfection, but about creating meaningful experiences and embracing the unexpected. Whether you're planning your first trip with a baby or trying to make travel feel less stressful with older kids, this conversation is filled with reassuring advice, real-life stories, and simple tips to help you feel more confident on the go. 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
#490
June 3 · 59 min
Community Birth Story: Making Peace With a Birth That Didn’t Go As Planned with Nitzan Auz
In this deeply honest community birth story, Deb talks with Nitzan Auz about the emotional complexity of welcoming her third baby during a season of uncertainty, stress, and shifting expectations. As she approached her due date, Nitzan found herself navigating not only the physical and emotional intensity of late pregnancy, but also the weight of global events unfolding in Israel that deeply impacted her mental state. Hoping for a different experience this time around, she instead faced an unexpected induction and a birth that unfolded far from her original vision. The conversation also touches on postpartum recovery, identity, resilience, and Nitzan’s inspiring return to running, including completing the NYC Marathon when her daughter was less than four months old. Together, they explore the grief that can come when birth doesn’t go according to plan, and the slow, meaningful process of making peace with an experience that felt difficult to fully accept at first. This episode is a reminder that healing after birth is not always linear, and that acceptance can coexist with disappointment. 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
#389
May 27 · 53 min
Vaginal Exams: When and Why to Have One During Pregnancy and Labor with Kara French- A Revisit!
Vaginal exams are one of the most common procedures during pregnancy and labor, but are they always necessary? In this episode, Deb sits down with certified nurse midwife Kara French to unpack when and why vaginal exams may be offered, what information they actually provide, and how parents can make informed decisions about their care. Together, they explore the role of vaginal exams both before and during labor, including why some providers routinely suggest them at the end of pregnancy and when they may truly impact medical decision-making. Kara also shares her philosophy around consent, labor progression, and helping families understand that cervical dilation is only one small piece of the birth picture. This thoughtful conversation offers expectant parents practical information, empowering questions to ask their care providers, and reassurance that they always have options when it comes to their bodies and birth experiences. 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
#488
May 20 · 49 min
Doula Do's and Don'ts with Taylor Lee Bello
What does excellent doula support actually look like- from pregnancy through postpartum? In this candid and practical conversation, Deb sits down with birth doula Taylor Lee Bello to explore what families should know when choosing a doula, what healthy communication and expectations look like during labor, and the often-overlooked support needed in the immediate postpartum period. Together, they unpack everything from interviewing doulas and identifying red flags to understanding why in-person prenatal visits, labor assessment skills, and postpartum follow-through matter so deeply. They also tackle important conversations around cesarean birth support, biomechanics of labor, and how doulas can provide grounded, responsive care that truly meets families where they are. Whether you're expecting a baby, considering hiring a doula, or are a doula yourself, this episode offers thoughtful insight into the values, skills, and support systems that can shape the birth experience. 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

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