Birth, Baby! | Guidance for Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum, and Parenting

Postpartum recovery is about so much more than the six-week checkup. In this episode of the Birth, Baby! Podcast, host Ciarra Morgan sits down with pelvic floor physical therapist Jensine Chavez to discuss postpartum healing, pelvic floor health, painful sex after baby, body connection, and rebuilding intimacy after childbirth. We talk about the physical and emotional changes many women experience postpartum, why intimacy can feel different after having a baby, and how women can begin feeling strong, confident, and connected in their bodies again. Whether you are newly postpartum or years into motherhood, this episode offers compassionate, evidence-based education about healing after birth and support for women navigating pelvic floor symptoms, body image struggles, and intimacy changes. About Our Guest: Dr. Jensine Chavez is the founder of Shine Through Strength Physical Therapy, a pelvic floor and orthopedic practice in Georgetown, Texas. She helps women Move With Confidence through every stage of life from pregnancy and postpartum to perimenopause and beyond. Dr. Jensine specializes in treating pelvic floor concerns such as leakage, pain with intimacy, constipation, and pelvic heaviness, as well as orthopedic conditions including back, hip, knee, and shoulder pain. Through her signature method, The Confidence Pathway, she addresses the root cause by treating the whole body, not just symptoms, helping women build strength, restore confidence, and return to exercise, daily activities, and the things they love without pain, leakage, or fear. Website: https://go.shinethroughpt.com/home Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinethroughpt?igsh=MW9zemJtaXprZTV0dg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JF4GEKpaJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr In This Episode, We Discuss: Pelvic floor recovery after pregnancy and birth Why intimacy changes postpartum Painful sex after baby Emotional healing and body connection Rebuilding confidence postpartum Supporting postpartum relationships and communication How women can feel strong and connected in their bodies again Get access to discount codes for our favorite products and check out our Amazon Storefront lists for "Must Haves" during the Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Newborn phases HERE. Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE. Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: [email protected] Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly. Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com

Perimenopause can begin years before menopause, yet many women are never taught what to expect. From anxiety and sleep struggles to weight changes, brain fog, fatigue, and mood swings, hormonal shifts during this stage can impact nearly every part of daily life. In this episode, host Ciarra Morgan sits down with Amber Frauenholtz, a functional nutritionist, to discuss perimenopause hormones, common symptoms women experience, and the functional testing options that may help uncover root causes behind feeling “off.” We discuss hormone testing, thyroid health, cortisol and stress, nutrition support, and practical ways women can support their bodies naturally during midlife. If you’ve been wondering whether your symptoms are “just stress” or “just aging,” this conversation is packed with helpful information and validation. In This Episode We Discuss: What perimenopause actually is Early signs of hormone shifts Functional hormone testing options DUTCH testing and thyroid panels Cortisol and stress in midlife women Sleep struggles and anxiety Weight changes and metabolism Blood sugar balance and nutrition support How women can advocate for their health About the Guest: Amber Frauenholtz is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Restorative Health Practitioner, and Certified Parental Leave Coach who helps women feel like themselves again through personalized nutrition, functional lab testing, and sustainable lifestyle changes. She specializes in supporting women through demanding seasons of life, including postpartum, perimenopause, and the transition back to work after having children. Through her practice, Amber Dawn Wellness, she helps women improve their energy, digestion, hormones, and overall well-being without relying on restrictive diets or perfection. Website: https://amberdawnwellness.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberdawn_wellness/ Get access to discount codes for our favorite products and check out our Amazon Storefront lists for "Must Haves" during the Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Newborn phases HERE. Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE. Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: [email protected] Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly. Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com

In this episode, we explore gestational diabetes, its causes, testing methods, and management strategies. Our expert guest Lily Nichols shares evidence-based insights to help expectant mothers understand and navigate this common condition. Key Topics: What is gestational diabetes and how it differs from type 1 and type 2 diabetes Causes and risk factors of gestational diabetes Timing and methods of testing for gestational diabetes Impact of blood sugar control on pregnancy and baby health Management strategies including diet, exercise, and medication Potential birth complications related to gestational diabetes Postpartum considerations and long-term health The importance of individualized care and avoiding unnecessary interventions Lily Nichols is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author with a passion for evidence-based nutrition. Her work is known for being research-focused, thorough, and sensible. She is the founder of the Institute for Prenatal NutritionⓇ, co-founder of the Women’s Health Nutrition Academy, and the author of three books: Real Food for Fertility (co-authored with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack), Real Food for Pregnancy, and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes. Lily’s bestselling books have helped hundreds of thousands of mamas (and babies!), are used in university-level maternal nutrition and midwifery courses and have even influenced prenatal nutrition policy internationally. She writes at https://lilynicholsrdn.com. When she steps away from writing, you can find her spending time with her husband and two children — most likely outside or in the kitchen. Get access to discount codes for our favorite products and check out our Amazon Storefront lists for "Must Haves" during the Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Newborn phases HERE. Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE. Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: [email protected] Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly. Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com

Motherhood changes everything…including the mother herself. In this episode, host Ciarra Morgan sits down with Chelsey Scaffidi, the author of The Mother Year, to discuss matrescence, the seasons of motherhood, and the profound identity shifts women experience when becoming mothers. As both a mother and attorney, she shares honest insight into the emotional, mental, and relational transformation that often accompanies motherhood, yet is rarely talked about openly. We discuss the invisible labor of motherhood, career identity, the emotional weight many mothers carry, and why understanding matrescence can help women feel less alone in the transition. This conversation is validating, thoughtful, and deeply encouraging for mothers in every stage of parenting. In This Episode We Discuss: What matrescence means The identity shifts of motherhood Emotional and mental changes after becoming a mother The different seasons of motherhood Career identity and motherhood The invisible mental load mothers carry Loneliness and overwhelm in motherhood Why mothers often feel pressure to “bounce back” How mothers can reconnect with themselves About Our Guest Chelsey Scaffidi is an author, attorney, meditation teacher, and mother of two whose work explores the transformation women experience through motherhood. After becoming a mother herself, Chelsey found that while there was endless information about caring for a baby, there was far less conversation about the profound changes happening within the mother. This led her to explore matrescence - the developmental, emotional, and neurological transition into motherhood - and ultimately inspired her internationally bestselling book, The Mother Year. Drawing from hundreds of interviews and conversations with mothers, as well as research in neuroscience, psychology, and human development, Chelsey's work helps women better understand the identity shifts, challenges, and growth that often accompany motherhood. Her TEDx talk, Why Motherhood May Feel Like Middle School, further brought this conversation into the mainstream. Through her writing, speaking, and gatherings, Chelsey creates spaces where women can feel seen in the complexity of motherhood and supported in the process of becoming. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two little boys. Connect With Our Guest Purchase "The Mother Year": https://amzn.to/3T3M6RP Listen to her Ted Talk! https://youtu.be/LebnkMp4XfA?is=qLFEZyaC5quusWJZ Get access to discount codes for our favorite products and check out our Amazon Storefront lists for "Must Haves" during the Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Newborn phases HERE. Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE. Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: [email protected] Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this

In this episode, we explore how trauma and vicarious trauma can affect birth workers, including the signs of burnout, emotional overload, and unresolved triggers. Guest expert Lacey Fisher shares practical strategies for managing difficult birth experiences, setting healthy boundaries, practicing meaningful self-care, and protecting your mental health while working in high-stress birth environments. TETRIS article from Psychology Today mentioned in the episode: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/202502/how-tetris-might-help-prevent-ptsd?msockid=0d72630fad2a6d2f1aa3743cacf56c58 Lacey Castilleja Fisher is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Clinician and founded Open Heart Counseling of Austin PLLC, a small group practice in Austin, Texas. Lacey became passionate about working with parents that struggle with PMAD’s, specifically PTSD, after her own experience of becoming a mother and experiencing trauma after her newborn was unexpectedly admitted to the NICU. This led to Lacey learning as much as she could about perinatal trauma, pregnancy and infant loss, NICU trauma and fertility struggles. Lacey served as the Clinical Director for The Pregnancy and Postpartum Health Alliance of Texas, now Nurtured Tx, from 2018-2023 and loves teaching other clinicians about reproductive mental health. Website: https://openheartwebinars.podia.com/perinatal-mental-health-and-sexual-abuse https://openheartwebinars.podia.com/perinatal-mental-health-series http://www.openheartcounselingatx.com/lacey-reproductive-mental-health-sandtray.html FB and IG: @‌openheartcounselingofaustin Get access to discount codes for our favorite products and check out our Amazon Storefront lists for "Must Haves" during the Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Newborn phases HERE. Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE. Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: [email protected] Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly. Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but what if you had personalized, judgment-free support along the way? In this episode, I’m joined by a parent coach and founder of a training company for parent coaches to break down what parenting coaching actually is (and what it’s not). We talk about how parent coaching differs from therapy, who benefits most from this type of support, and why more families are turning to coaches for real-life, practical guidance. We also dive into the professional side: How someone becomes a parent coach, what training can look like, and who this career path might be a good fit for (especially for those already working with families, like doulas, educators, or healthcare professionals). Whether you’re a parent feeling overwhelmed or someone curious about stepping into this field, this episode will give you clarity, direction, and insight into a growing area of support for families. Connect with Kerri “Nan” Nichols:https://www.solutionswithnan.comhttps://www.parentcoachcertificationcourse.comhttps://www.solutionswithnan.com/village SPECIAL OFFER! $250 off the Parent Coach Certification Course using COUPON CODE: EMPOWERED250 (Payment plans are available) Kerri “Nan” Nachlas is the founder of The Parent Coach Certification Course and a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Certified Parent Coach, Certified Co-Parenting Specialist, and trained Newborn Care Specialist. She is the owner of Solutions with Nan, a thriving coaching and consulting practice where she supports families directly while also mentoring and guiding other professionals in the pediatric sleep and parent coaching space. Kerri currently serves as a board member for the International Pediatric Sleep Association and the Child Advisory Council, and she is an active member of the National Parenting Education Network along with several other child-focused organizations. Kerri has been a featured speaker at the NPEN Annual Conference and Nannypalooza, has led workshops for the International Nanny Association and numerous parent groups, and has been a guest on multiple podcasts where she shares her expertise on parenting, sleep, and building a meaningful business. Over the years, Kerri has supported more than 1700 families in finding better sleep, more joy, and a sense of calm within their homes. In 2024, she launched The Parent Coach Certification Course as a way to educate, mentor, and empower others to step into this work and support parents in a meaningful and impactful way. In 2025, she launched Nan’s Village, an app and continuing education platform designed for her clients, students, and any parent seeking guidance on sleep, behavior, and the day-to-day realities of raising children with confidence and clarity. Kerri and her husband Michael live on Table Rock Lake following his retirement from medical practice. Together, they enjoy life surrounded by their four grown children, their spouses, their fourteen grandchildren, and their golden retriever, Buddy. Get access to discount codes for our favorite products and check out our Amazon Storefront lists for "Must Haves" during the Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Newborn phases HERE. Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE. Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a gu

One of the most nuanced skills a doula can develop is knowing when to step in during labor, and when to simply hold space. In this episode, host Ciarra Morgan sits down with k’mae martinez, a fellow birth doula, to discuss the balance between hands-on labor support and calm presence. Inspired by a recent conversation with a midwife who shared that some doulas may not intervene enough to help support labor progression or fetal positioning, we dive into the complex skill of reading the room, supporting physiology, and understanding when action may truly help. We discuss labor positioning, emotional support, fetal positioning, collaboration with providers, and how doulas can continue refining their instincts and confidence over time. Whether you’re a doula, birth worker, or expecting parent, this conversation offers a thoughtful look into the art of labor support. In The Episode We Discuss: What “sit on your hands” means in doula work Why holding space matters in labor When doulas should become more hands-on Fetal positioning and labor progression Comfort measures that may help labor Reading the labor room environment Avoiding over-supporting or under-supporting Working collaboratively with nurses and midwives Skills newer doulas should focus on developing About the Guest:k'mae martinez is a biracial, full-spectrum doula, bodyworker, herbalist and educator. k'mae's journey into birthwork began in 2019 with a heartfelt awareness of the love and compassion it takes to truly walk alongside others on the childbearing journey. With reverence for the innate intelligence of the womb and human body, k'mae has continued her work in Central Texas since 2021, studying with various respected teachers in the global birthwork community. k'mae offers compassionate care through full-spectrum doula care, postpartum bodywork, belly binding, closing ceremonies, and nourishing bone broth. She is deeply honored to support the full continuum of the Womb and walks this path with the prayer that your journey expands your capacity to love, to feel deeply, and to stand fully in your divine power. Website: http://BirthMagickATX.comIG: @‌kmae.birthmagickatx Get access to discount codes for our favorite products and check out our Amazon Storefront lists for "Must Haves" during the Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Newborn phases HERE. Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE. Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: [email protected] Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly. Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com

AI is rapidly changing online business, and the birth world is no exception. From content creation and marketing to workflows and client communication, more doulas are using AI tools to save time and grow their businesses. But in a profession built on trust, emotional support, and human connection, where should doulas draw the line? In this episode, host Ciarra Morgan sits down with Doula Darcy, former postpartum doula and now doula business coach and marketing strategist, to discuss the growing role of AI in doula businesses. We explore both the benefits and concerns surrounding AI use, including how automation can support business sustainability while also potentially creating disconnect in client relationships when overused. This conversation is honest, nuanced, and incredibly important for doulas navigating modern business tools while wanting to maintain authentic care. In this episode we discuss: How doulas are currently using AI Benefits of AI for doula businesses Marketing and content creation support Risks of over-automating client communication Why relationship-based care matters Authenticity and emotional intelligence in business Ethical considerations around AI Systems that support doulas without replacing connection The future of AI in the birth world About Our Guest The Doula Darcy (a.k.a Darcy Sauers) is a Doula Business Coach & Marketing Strategist who combines her unique background: 10 years in advertising and 15 years as a postpartum doula to help other doulas build thriving businesses The Doula Darcy worked for 10 years in the advertising and marketing field before having 3 children and then becoming a postpartum doula in 2010. She attributes her background in marketing to her success at building a thriving postpartum doula business in a small town in New Hampshire. Now she loves sharing her industry expertise with other doulas. The Doula Darcy is the founder of the My Doula Village, a monthly membership community which helps doulas with the marketing side of being a doula so that they can get more clients. What "Trimester" is your doula business in?Take The Doula Darcy's fun quiz to assess where you are now AND get a personalized marketing plan to help you progress based on your results! https://douladarcy.com/quiz Learn more at www.thedouladarcy.com and follow Darcy on Instagram for more tips http://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy Get access to discount codes for our favorite products and check out our Amazon Storefront lists for "Must Haves" during the Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Newborn phases HERE. Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE. Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: [email protected] Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at you

Pregnancy after loss carries both hope and heartbreak at the same time. In this episode of the Birth, Baby! Podcast, host Ciarra Morgan welcomes back Elaine Nguyen, a mother who previously shared her stillbirth story, to now share her journey through pregnancy and birth after loss as she welcomed her miracle baby. We discuss the emotional complexity of pregnancy after stillbirth, navigating fear and anxiety, learning to hold grief and hope simultaneously, and what it was like experiencing labor, birth, and postpartum after devastating loss. This episode offers an honest and compassionate look into the realities of pregnancy after loss while providing support and validation for bereaved parents navigating similar journeys. In This Episode, We Discuss: Pregnancy after stillbirth Pregnancy after loss anxiety Navigating fear during pregnancy Emotional healing after stillbirth Bonding with a miracle (aka rainbow) baby Labor and birth after loss Parenting after grief Holding joy and grief simultaneously Support for bereaved mothers Elaine Nguyen is a peds SLP and mom of 3 - two living daughters and one angel son, who was born sleeping in April 2024. Through her devastating loss, she has felt an inner nudge to create EverMother Foundation (previously known as ATX Loss Mama), a community for all types of loss moms - miscarriages, TFMR, stillbirths, infant loss, and child loss. She also went on experience pregnancy after loss and had her miracle baby. For more information, you can find her on IG at @embracingwholeness or @evermotherfoundation. If you are in a position to donate funds to this group, please consider doing so. The proceeds donated allow loss families to access healing events, support groups and grief yoga sessions, etc. at minimal to no cost. The link to donate is: venmo.com/evermother. Get access to discount codes for our favorite products and check out our Amazon Storefront lists for "Must Haves" during the Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Newborn phases HERE. Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE. Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: [email protected] Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly. Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com

Sleep can be one of the biggest stressors for new and growing families—but many parents don’t realize there is professional support available beyond simply “waiting it out.” In this episode, I’m joined by Jayne Havens, a pediatric sleep consultant and founder of Center for Pediatric Sleep Management to talk about what sleep consultants actually do, how they support families, and when it may be time to seek help. We break down common misconceptions about infant and child sleep, what sleep coaching can look like, and how support can be personalized to match a family’s values and goals. We also explore why pediatric sleep consulting can be a powerful add-on service for doulas, postpartum professionals, and anyone already supporting families. If you love helping parents but want another way to make a meaningful impact (while creating additional income streams), this conversation is packed with insight. Whether you’re a tired parent or a doula looking to expand your offerings, this episode will help you understand the value of sleep support. Jayne is a certified pediatric sleep consultant through the Institute of Pediatric Sleep and Parenting and Center for Pediatric Sleep Management. She believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching a child to fall asleep and back to sleep independently. All children, regardless of age, are capable of learning this life-long skill; they simply need to be given an opportunity to try! Jayne Havens is the founder of the Center for Pediatric Sleep Management, where she trains, mentors, and certifies aspiring pediatric sleep consultants to build meaningful and profitable businesses. She continues to support families through her consulting practice, Snooze Fest by Jayne Havens. Known for her client-led approach, Jayne works with families using methods that align with their parenting style, recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to helping children sleep independently. Through both her consulting work and CPSM, Jayne has established herself as a trusted leader in the field. Use code BIRTHBABY250 at checkout for $250 off through July 1, 2026!Website:http://www.thecpsm.comhttp://thesnoozefest.com Get access to discount codes for our favorite products and check out our Amazon Storefront lists for "Must Haves" during the Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Newborn phases HERE. Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE. Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: [email protected] Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly. Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com

If you’re a doula working with an agency, or considering it, understanding whether you’re classified as an employee or an independent contractor isn’t just a technical detail… it directly impacts your pay, taxes, legal protections, and overall work experience. In this episode, I sit down with fellow doula agency owner, Allison Coleman, to break down the real differences between employee and contractor roles in the doula world. We go beyond surface-level definitions and dig into how these classifications actually show up in your day-to-day work. We talk about what control agencies can (and can’t) have, how compensation structures differ, what benefits or protections may apply, and some of the biggest misconceptions doulas have when entering agency work. Whether you’re brand new to agency life or have been working as a contractor for years, this episode will help you better advocate for yourself, ask the right questions, and make informed decisions about your role. Allison Coleman trained and worked in midwifery and as a birth doula for several years before finding her true home in postpartum doula work, where she gets to watch new families grow through those early weeks and months. She owns Austin and Asheville Baby Guru, postpartum doula agencies serving both Texas and North Carolina. Allison also runs the ABG Postpartum Doula Certification Program, a hybrid training she delivers both online and in person. She mentors doulas who are building their own businesses. Mom to four grown kids who were unschooled, Allison lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains outside Asheville, NC, and brings the same grounded, real-world perspective to her clients that she brought to raising her own family and building her business. Websites:www.ABGdoulaTraining.com use code CIARRA5OFF for a discount!www.AustinBabyGuru.comInstagram handles:@‌babyguru.doula@‌abg_pp_doula_training Get access to discount codes for our favorite products and check out our Amazon Storefront lists for "Must Haves" during the Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Newborn phases HERE. Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE. Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: [email protected] Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly. Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com

Hearing the words high blood pressure during pregnancy can feel overwhelming but understanding what it actually means can make a huge difference in how you navigate your care and your birth. In this episode, I’m breaking down the differences between chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia in a way that’s easy to understand and actually helpful. We’ll talk about how each condition is diagnosed, common symptoms, risk factors during pregnancy and postpartum, and what it might mean for induction or delivery planning. Whether you’ve been given one of these diagnoses or you just want to feel more prepared, this episode will help you ask better questions, feel more confident in your care, and understand what’s happening in your body. Get access to discount codes for our favorite products and check out our Amazon Storefront lists for "Must Haves" during the Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Newborn phases HERE. Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE. Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: [email protected] Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly. Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com