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

Maria Mathis-Cruiser continues her story and shares her journey through the complexities of childbirth, including the unexpected transition to a C-section, her NICU experience with her daughter, and the emotional challenges of postpartum recovery. She discusses the struggles of breastfeeding, the societal pressures of motherhood, and ultimately finds peace in her decision to prioritize her well-being and happiness over societal exp...

Host Ciarra Morgan and past co-host Samantha Kelly discuss the essential principles of safe sleep for infants, focusing on the ABCs of safe sleep: Alone, Back, and Crib. Ciarra emphasizes the importance of implementing these practices from day one to reduce the risk of SIDS and shares practical tips for parents navigating sleep safety. The conversation also touches on when parents can relax their vigilance regarding safe sleep as t...

Virginie Lacoste, a speech and language pathologist, joins host Ciarra Morgan to talk about the roles of pacifiers and thumb sucking in infant development. They discuss the pros and cons of pacifiers, their impact on oral development, and when parents should seek professional help. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs of infants and the role of early intervention in addressing potential issues.

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Heather Eure, an IBCLC joins Ciarra to discuss the complexities of choosing the right baby bottles. She emphasizes the importance of understanding bottle features, such as nipple shape and flow rate, and how these factors can impact feeding success. Heather also shares insights on transitioning between bottle and breastfeeding, adapting bottles as babies grow, and the significance of paced bottle-feeding techniques. The discussion ...

Ciarra Morgan, birth doula and pediatric sleep consultant, shares her favorite sleep aids for babies including swaddles, sound machines, night lights, lovies, and pacifiers. She emphasizes the importance of creating a sleep-friendly environment and the need for sustainable sleep practices that can adapt as children grow. The discussion provides practical tips for parents on how to choose and use these aids effectively to promote be...

In this episode, Jes Gannon, a postpartum doula and pediatric sleep consultant, discusses the importance of swaddles and sleep sacks for newborns. She explores their benefits, safety concerns, and common misconceptions. Tune in to learn about choosing the right swaddle, transitioning to sleep sacks, and practical tips for new parents. The conversation emphasizes the significance of creating a comfortable sleep environment for babie...

Host Ciarra announces that Birth, Baby! will be a single host podcast moving forward and wishes past co-host Samantha well in this next chapter of her life. 

Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follo...

In this conversation, Maria Mathis-Cruiser joins the host to share her profound journey through infertility, IVF, and the complexities of pregnancy, including the challenges of high-risk conditions like preeclampsia. With humor and heart, she discusses her experiences with care providers, the emotional toll of her journey, and the transformative power of motherhood. Maria's candid reflections and powerful writings offer insight int...

In this episode of the Building Your Registry series, the hosts discuss the various types of strollers and wagons available for new parents. They explore the features of travel systems, jogging strollers, lightweight strollers, and convertible strollers, emphasizing the importance of considering lifestyle and family growth when making a choice. The conversation also highlights the rising popularity of wagons and their versatility f...

In this episode of the Building Your Registry series, Jes Gannon joins us to discuss essential sleep products for newborns, focusing on the importance of choosing the right sleep space, safety considerations, and the even benefits of using a SNOO. She emphasizes the need for consistency in sleep environments and caution against misleading marketing claims regarding baby products. The conversation provides valuable insights for new ...

Dr. Kristi Hammerle, PT, DPT, CBS, a pediatric physical therapist and certified breastfeeding specialist, joins us to discusses child development and safety when using baby containers (think seat positioners, bouncers, swings, jumpers, etc.). She provides insights on what to look for when selecting baby products, the developmental stages of babies, and common products to avoid. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to be...

Kim shares her journey into foster care amidst her surrogacy experiences. She discusses the motivations behind becoming a foster parent, the challenges faced, and the rewarding aspects of fostering and adopting children. Kim emphasizes the importance of being informed and prepared for the realities of foster care, as well as the significance of maintaining relationships with biological families. The conversation concludes with advi...

In this episode, the hosts discuss the intricacies of birth doula training, the various organizations available, and the importance of comprehensive education for aspiring doulas. They share their personal training experiences and highlight the gaps in knowledge that many new doulas face. The conversation emphasizes the need for mentorship and community support, as well as the benefits of cross-training with their academy to enhanc...

Miki Agrawal, an entrepreneur focused on eco-conscious parenting solutions, particularly in the realm of diapering, joins us to discuss eco-friendly baby registry solutions! She introduces her innovative unbleached diapers that utilize fungi to break down waste, highlighting the environmental impact of traditional diapers. The discussion also covers the importance of educating parents on sustainable practices and leadership in thei...

In the first episode of our Building Your Baby Registry Series, Lori Post, a certified postpartum doula and baby wearing consultant, joins us to guide parents on how to choose the right carrier for different stages of a child's development. She emphasizes safety considerations, the benefits of various types of carriers, and offers budget-friendly options for parents.

Lori is certified as a Postpartum Doula and Babywearing Consultan...

This conversation emphasizes the critical importance of postpartum rest for new mothers, regardless of their delivery method. The hosts introduce the 5-5-5 rule, which outlines a structured approach to resting in the first 15 days after birth. They discuss the physiological changes that occur in the body postpartum, particularly focusing on the pelvic floor and the need for recovery. The conversation also highlights the necessity o...

In this conversation, the hosts discuss the significance of birth plans and preferences, emphasizing their role in setting expectations and communicating with healthcare providers. They explore the differences between birth plans and preferences, the importance of flexibility, and the need for clear communication with partners and providers. The discussion highlights that while birth plans are essential for outlining desires, they ...

Exciting news from the host…someone is EXPECTING! A pregnancy announcement and fun birth plans to share.

Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

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In this conversation, Kim Yancey is back to share her profound journey of healing after the loss of her twins through the experience of surrogacy. She discusses the emotional challenges and triumphs she faced while helping others become parents, the relationships she built with intended parents, and how her own family navigated the complexities of surrogacy. The conversation also touches on the importance of open communication with...