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

MJ Saunders, owner of See My Baby Live, is back to discuss the various types of elective ultrasounds available to expectant parents. This conversation focuses on the importance of these procedures for emotional connection and reassurance during pregnancy. The discussion covers the timing of ultrasounds, the technology used, and the significance of choosing a qualified provider to ensure safety and accuracy. MJ also highlights the e...

Carolina Ochoa, a childcare coordinator with Cultural Care Au Pair joins Ciarra Morgan to talk about how Au Pairs help families and what the process looks like. The conversation delves into the qualifications, responsibilities and experiences of au pairs and their hosts, emphasizing the added benefit of the exposure to different cultures.

Carolina Ochoa is Local childcare Coordinator with Cultural Care Au Pair, serving families in ...

Cynthia Tinajero, creator of Mamistad New Moms Network, joins host Ciarra Morgan to discuss the importance of community and connection for new parents. She shares her journey of being diagnosed with depression in her first trimester of pregnancy and how she created this group to support other people through the journey of entering motherhood. She emphasizes the importance of flexibility in motherhood and the need to embrace challen...

Katelyn Henry joins Ciarra Morgan to share her unexpected journey to a home birth, detailing the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. From finding the right support in a doula and midwife to navigating the intensity of labor, she emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself and the process. The discussion also touches on postpartum experiences and the joy of welcoming a new baby into the world, highlighting the emotion...

Maxine Eiland, a dedicated fitness professional and the founder of Divine Mama Strength, based in Austin, Texas, joins host Ciarra Morgan to discuss the challenges of postpartum recovery and the societal pressures surrounding 'bounce back culture.' She emphasizes the importance of nourishing the body, understanding emotional and physical recovery, and recognizing the signs of readiness for exercise. Maxine debunks common myths abou...

In this conversation, Laura Sandoval, a mental health therapist, discusses the challenges faced by high-functioning moms, particularly those dealing with postpartum anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of anxiety, the impact of societal expectations, and the need for support and self-care. The discussion also highlights the significance of finding specialized therapists and the role of partners in providi...

In this conversation, MJ Saunders, a registered diagnostic medical sonographer, discusses the significance of ultrasounds in pregnancy, addressing common concerns about safety and the emotional aspects of seeing one's baby. She explains the different types of ultrasounds, their purposes, and the typical schedule for expectant mothers. MJ emphasizes the importance of hydration for clear imaging and reassures parents about the safety...

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...