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

Lacey Castilleja Fisher joins host Ciarra Morgan to discuss the emotional complexities surrounding fertility struggles and perinatal mental health. She highlights common mental health challenges faced by individuals trying to conceive, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Lacey offers coping strategies, emphasizes the importance of support systems, and discusses the significance of setting boundaries to protect mental health....

Host Samantha Kelly interviews Kim Yancey, a mother, foster mom, and gestational surrogate. Kim shares her journey through motherhood, including her experiences with pregnancy, postpartum challenges, and the unexpected news of carrying twins. The conversation delves into the emotional complexities of high-risk pregnancies and the impact of loss, as Kim recounts her experience with the loss of twins. In a future episode, Kim will be...

The hosts share their experiences as doulas, focusing on the fastest births they’ve witnessed - some were precipitous labors! They discuss the differences between first and second births, the impact of HypnoBirthing, and the joy of supporting families as they grow. The conversation highlights the unpredictability of labor, the challenges faced, and the rewarding moments that come with being a doula.

Please feel free to reach out to...

In this conversation, Allison Coleman, an experienced doula and trainer, and Ciarra Morgan discuss the essential aspects of choosing a doula training program. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, support, and the need for a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with personal values and career goals. The conversation also covers the significance of evaluating the reputation of training programs, understanding costs, and the r...

Midwife Leonora Colon is back to discuss the challenges of burnout faced by birth workers, particularly midwives and doulas. The conversation explores the emotional and physical toll of the profession, the importance of self-care, and strategies for managing burnout. The hosts and Leonora share personal experiences and practical tips for maintaining health and well-being while navigating the demands of birth work, including the sig...

Allison Waage, president of Nurtured Texas, joined us to discuss the organization's mission to improve perinatal mental health resources in Texas. She highlighted the services offered, including therapy vouchers and an online directory called Christie's List, aimed at making mental health care more accessible. There are significant barriers families face in accessing perinatal mental health care, including societal stigma and socio...

In this episode, Kimberly Berry shares her inspiring journey to becoming a birth doula, motivated by her personal experiences and a desire to support other families. She discusses her initial misconceptions about the role of a doula, the impactful training she received, and the rewarding experiences of her first birth as a doula.

Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to b...

In this episode, Brittany Huber is back to share her experiences with her pregnancies and births, focusing on the journey to her second baby, the challenges of a VBAC, and the joy of her third surprise baby. She discusses the emotional and physical aspects of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery, highlighting the importance of support and informed choices in her birthing experiences. Brittany shares her personal journey throug...

In this episode, the hosts discuss the critical role of partners in childbirth education and preparation. They emphasize the importance of partners attending classes to alleviate fears, understand the labor process, and actively support their partners during childbirth. The conversation also touches on the long-term implications of shared parenting responsibilities and the need for partners to be involved in breastfeeding education...

In this episode, Brittany Huber, a wife and mom of three kids, 5 and under. She works as a realtor while also juggling staying home with her kids full time. She is an animal lover and enjoys being outside, sipping on coffee during play dates, and baking bread. Brittany shares her profound birth story, detailing her experiences from a breech pregnancy to the emotional challenges of postpartum life. She discusses experiencing an ECV ...

In this conversation, Chanelle Longueve, a child passenger safety technician, discusses the complexities of child car seat safety. She emphasizes the importance of understanding car seat installation, common mistakes parents make, and the significance of transitioning between different car seat stages. The discussion also covers essential tips for harnessing children properly and lesser-known safety rules that caregivers should fol...

In this celebratory 100th episode of the Birth, Baby! Podcast, hosts Ciarra and Samantha announce an exciting giveaway for their listeners, emphasizing their commitment to providing valuable resources and continuing to engage with their audience. They also reflect on their journey, sharing insights gained from their guests, the importance of community, and the power of birth stories.

Please feel free to reach out to us with any rec...

This conversation explores the topic of epidurals in childbirth, addressing common misconceptions and providing detailed information on the process, benefits, and drawbacks of epidurals. Ciarra and Samantha discuss how epidurals are administered, and the role of doulas. The conversation also highlights the potential impact of epidurals on labor progression and how they can be beneficial in case of maternal exhaustion, emphasizing t...

In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha delve into the concepts of informed consent and shared decision making in the pregnancy and birth realm. They discuss the importance of parents being fully informed about potential interventions, the necessity of having options, and the role of healthcare providers in facilitating these discussions. The conversation emphasizes the need for individualized care and the significance of patient advo...

Camry Heckeroth joins Ciarra and Samantha to talk about her birth story, focusing on her experiences during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Camry shares her journey of preparing for her first baby, including her decision to work with a doula, her research into childbirth options, and her experiences leading up to labor. The conversation highlights the emotional and physical aspects of pregnancy and the importance of support systems...

Choosing the right childcare for your baby can be stressful! Ciarra and Samantha give insight on things to consider when deciding on a daycare, nanny, or even a family member to care for your child. Whether your baby is 6 weeks or 2 years old, this decision is nuanced and personalized to each family's needs and comfort. 

Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest...

Some people realize they have childhood trauma prior to becoming parents. Sometimes people don't even realize they have childhood trauma until they become parents themselves. Laura Bruce, Founder and Director of Mi Casa Es Tu Casa®, joins Ciarra and Samantha on this episode to discuss this topic as well as the program she has created to help parents navigate this experience with their own children. 

Laura was born and raised in Ven...

In this conversation, Ciarra Morgan and Samantha discuss the distinctions between trained and certified doulas, emphasizing the importance of training, experience, and the connection between the doula and the client. The episode explores the nuances of certification processes, why some doulas may choose to forgo certification, the value of mentorship, and how personal choices impact a doula's practice. Ultimately, it highlights tha...

In this conversation, Ciarra and Samantha discuss the evolving landscape of doula services, particularly focusing on insurance coverage, reimbursement programs provided by employers, and alternative options for families seeking support during pregnancy and postpartum. They explore how certain insurance plans, like TRICARE and Medicaid, are beginning to cover doula services, but also highlight the limitations and challenges that com...