Yoga Birth Babies

Today, we're exploring a topic that has impacted so many people around the world, including some of my closest friends and students. I'll admit that I didn't know much about IVF, as I haven’t had personal experience with it, so I set out to learn more. Interestingly, my cousin is an expert on the subject, and one day shared with me about the the history of IVF and the globalization and the technology behind it. From that point on, I knew I had to have her on the podcast! Today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I have Dr. Donna J. Drucker. Donna is the assistant director of scholarship and research development at the Columbia University School of Nursing. She has a master of library science degree and a PhD in history, both from Indiana University. She is the author of four books and many articles and shorter publications, and has a fifth book on abortion under contract. While many of us know the outcome that we're hoping for with IVF, and perhaps a bit about the procedures involved, Donna shares insight on aspects such as the donors, the surrogacy, the laws, and so much more. We also talk about how race and appearance generally factor into decision-making, along with many other things I had not thought about. I am really excited for you to hear Donna’s perspective on IVF as a researcher in this field. 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

For many sex is a very different experience while pregnant and newly postpartum. From wondering if you might hurt your baby to the physical discomfort one may experience, a lot of questions come to mind. Today we're going to talk about sex during pregnancy and after baby. I gathered some of the students together from the prenatal and postnatal classes and asked what their questions were. Questions I heard included: concerns about sex during pregnancy and will it hurt the baby? If the vagina changes forever after birth? How postpartum hormones change sex? And what can you do if sex hurts? So to have this conversation today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I have Dr. Sabrina Baxter, a doctor of physical therapy specializing in Pelvic Floor dysfunction. I love that she talks about individualized treatment because, while we're answering these questions in somewhat broad strokes, it is such an individualized experience what is going on with your body. I hope this just gives you some insight into your body and some curiosity about your body because you deserve to live a really wonderful quality of life and part of that is to have a healthy pelvic floor. 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

Today we are going to talk about SLEEP: your sleep, your baby’s sleep, and how to help your baby get good sleep. We dive into the topic of sleep deprivation, its impact on maternal mental health and bonding with baby, and also the different types of sleep training methods.  Today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I have Liza Kaplan Montanino. Liza is a dual-certified pediatric and special needs sleep consultant through the Center for Pediatric Sleep Management and Institute for Pediatric Sleep & Parenting, respectively. She is also a graduate of the Sleep Health Intelligence Program, cofounder of the Westchester Mama & Child Wellness Expo, and sleep expert in The Indy Lab’s Parenting Center. She is also a sleep instructor with Virtual Village Parenting, a newborn care professional, and lactation educator. It was a true pleasure having Liza on the show to talk about sleep. She’s an incredible resource filled with valuable insights! Not only will improving your own sleep enhance your wellbeing, but there are numerous benefits to helping your child learn to sleep independently. I hope you enjoy this episode! 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

Today, we have a community birth story. I look at these stories as a wonderful chance to hear firsthand about the incredible experience of birth from someone in our very own community—an experience that deeply influences so much of what we do here at PYC! Today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I have Fiamma. Fiamma was born in NYC grew up as a competitive equestrian show jumper where she would travel between Europe, the US and South America. She was also a competitive downhill skier. She took a break from competing and and teaching and spent time in Brazil all of 2023, right before getting pregnant. She currently lives on 180 acres in a 350 year old farmhouse in Virginia, and has been there for almost a year now with her 2 dogs and now perfect baby! In this episode, Fiamma shares about her health challenges pre-pregnancy, her birth story, and the obstacles she faced during both her birth and postpartum journey… All with remarkable wisdom, grace, and vulnerability. Happy listening! 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

If you are a new and expectant parent, I know that childcare is a subject that has crossed your mind before. Whether you’re going back to work full-time, or just need some assistance throughout the day, remember that you don't have to do it all on your own! As the saying goes, “It takes a village.” The right choice for your family will depend on your individual priorities, so let’s explore the options. To have this conversation with me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies is Elizabeth Narins. Elizabeth is a freelance writer who has previously held staff positions at Cosmo and Women's Health. Her work has appeared in Scary Mommy, What to Expect, The Bump, Parents, and many more! Currently, she is in the process of launching a parenting Substack, More than Mom, that explores identity, career, body image, along with all of the child-rearing questions that keep new parents up at night. Elizabeth is a mother of two. In this episode, we’ll explore the main differences between daycare and hiring a nanny, how to spot potential red flags for both options, and the important questions to ask. Ultimately, choosing what's right for your family is a personal decision, and I bring you this episode in hopes of helping you navigate the journey! 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

Today we’re diving into a topic that’s very close to my heart. Along with being a parent of a child often labeled as "difficult," I know that so many other children are unfairly pigeonholed because of their behavior. And I’ve come to realize: it’s not so much about the actual behavior as it is about understanding the root cause of that behavior. To have this conversation with me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies is Nina Essell. Nina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience as a school social worker supporting children and families. Nina holds a Master’s of Social Work from Columbia University and a Master’s of Science in Childhood General and Special Education from Bank Street College of Education. Nina is an advanced certified trainer in the Nurtured Heart Approach as well as Kimochis, a social emotional learning curriculum. Currently, she is a parenting coach and consultant, providing 1-on-1 coaching, parenting workshops, and professional training. In this episode, we explore how families can reframe challenging behaviors, the importance of parents finding their own grounding during moments of dysregulation, and practical tools children can use to identify big feelings- before they boil over. My hope is that we, as a society, can get to a place of understanding these kids without judgement. Enjoy this episode. 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

Today we are diving into a topic near and dear to my heart: doulas. Tune in as we explore how to find a doula who best fits you and your unique needs! Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Francie Webb. Francie is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and founder of Go Milk Yourself. She is a mom of 3, author and former middle school teacher. She’s worked with 1600+ parents and provided training to 2000+ professionals. Additionally, she has trained 40+ doulas and trained 40+ lactation professionals in her Go Milk Yourself Lactation Training. In this episode, we discuss why identifying your priorities is crucial when selecting the right doula for you. We’ll cover key questions to ask potential doulas based on your priorities, and red flags to watch out for in interviews. Additionally, we go over where to find a doula, what to expect in terms of cost and on-call availability, and so much more. Enjoy this episode! 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

Join in as we embark on a topic that, I have to admit, I knew very little about until having this conversation! Today, we are talking about mastitis- what it is, the latest research, causes, symptoms, and much more. Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Bella Masotti Rochford. Bella is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant and National Board-Certified & NYS licensed Occupational Therapist. She owns a private practice (Nurturing LIFT, LLC) that specializes in lactation and infant feeding therapy, and supports families navigating breast/chest feeding and bottle feeding. Mastitis has historically been misunderstood, and Bella is here to provide clarity with her extensive knowledge. She’ll also share essential tips on what to do and what to avoid if you’re dealing with mastitis. I know this episode will resonate with many of you listening. Enjoy! Additional mastitis resources: - Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (Protocol #36): https://www.bfmed.org/assets/ABM%20Protocol%20%2336.pdf - Jeanette Mesite Frem's flange fitting services and resources  babiesincommon.com - Maya Bolman's "Breast Gymnastics" and the use of therapeutic lymphatic massage https://player.vimeo.com/video/65196007 - Physician Guide to Breastfeeding website by Dr. Katrina Mitchell is a great guide for parents who are experiencing persistent mastitis-type episodes and may benefit from evidenced-based lab or imaging expertise  https://physicianguidetobreastfeeding.org/category/mastitis/ 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

There are countless reasons why I believe sharing and listening to birth stories is so valuable. One standout aspect is the many universal themes that emerge- whether between different births, throughout the journey from pregnancy to parenthood, or even within the individual birth stories themselves. While the societal conversation around birth can often evoke fear, a positive birth story has the power to shift that narrative. Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Shing Yiing Ong. Shing is a Certified Comprehensive Pilates Instructor and founder of her own company, Body Balance Lifestyle, that specializes in creating fun and short workout for busy entrepreneurs and moms. She is now a new mom to a beautiful 6 month old baby girl! In today’s birth story, you’ll hear Shing reflect on how her birth plan changed and how she not only moved through it, but came out feeling empowered about it. She also candidly discusses challenges that come with new parenthood- identity struggles, lack of freedom, baby blues, and hormonal changes. Shing’s experience captures the broad spectrum of parenthood, highlighting both the highs and the lows, each of which holds great significance. 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

My work revolves around women and birthing people, and naturally my guests on the podcast are mainly of that experience! However, today we are mixing things up a bit and exploring the transition to parenthood from a man’s perspective. Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Dan Doty. Dan is a father of 3, a husband, an outdoorsman and a meditator. He is the co-founder of Fatherhood Ready and Fatherhood Unlocked. He was the co-founder of men's org EVRYMAN and the producer director of hit tv show MeatEater. He has been featured in the NYTimes, Men's Health, the Today Show and the Joe Rogan Experience. In this episode, we dive into how fatherhood has evolved across generations and what it looks like for men today. Dan shares solid, practical tools for men on how to show up for their partners and children, and I know you’ll find this conversation incredibly valuable. 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

Today we’re talking all about my favorite: The pelvic floor. From how the pelvic floor changes in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, to what the signs and symptoms to see a pelvic floor PT are, to what happens at an actual appointment… we cover it all. Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Dr. Amy Stein. Amy is a premiere physical therapist and is at the forefront of treating pelvic floor disfunction and pelvic pain. In addition to being the founder of Beyond Basics PT, Amy has served as the President – and is currently on the advisory board – of the International Pelvic Pain Society. As an award-winning author, Amy has written books on pelvic pain (Heal Pelvic Pain) and endometriosis (Beating Endo: How to reclaim your life from Endometriosis) and created a video on pelvic pain (Healing Pelvic Pain and Abdominal Pain). Amy is also a co-editor of Healing in Urology as well as a featured author in many medical textbooks, including Pelvic Pain Management, Female Sexual Pain Disorders: Evaluation and Management, Management of Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women, and The Overactive Pelvic Floor. Amy’s bio speaks for itself, and it goes without saying that she is the ideal person to have on for this discussion which I am so happy to bring you. Happy listening and happy learning! 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

Are you preparing for a subsequent child? If you answered yes, then today’s episode is a must-listen. Today, we’re discussing the topic of introducing a new sibling into the family,… specifically to your first child. Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Alyssa Blask Campbell. Alyssa is a teacher, parent, and emotional development expert with a master’s degree in early childhood education. She is a co-creator of the Collaborative Emotion Processing (CEP), the host of the podcast, "Voices of Your Village” and the author of Tiny Humans, Big Emotions. Today’s episode is the ultimate guide to preparing for this transition; we’ll be going over how to help your first child understand this adjustment and shift of attention, how you as a parent can re-organize certain systems around both kids, and how you as a parent can prepare for all of this. Alyssa is an absolute joy to learn from, and I have no doubt that you’ll walk away from this episode with the most valuable tools and tips. 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

It is so common to put a lot of care, effort, and attention towards pregnancy and birth. And- it goes without saying- the prenatal period is incredibly important. However, the postpartum phase is a hugely transitional time for new parents and deserves equal consideration and planning. So let’s dive into it! Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies to discuss Postpartum is Elaine Keller-Duemig. Elaine is a certified nurse midwife and the owner of Central Park Midwifery, a private midwifery practice in Manhattan that attends hospital births. Elaine earned her bachelor's degree in Women's Studies and a certificate in LGBT studies from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. She earned a nursing degree at Quinnipiac University, and has a midwifery masters degree from Columbia University. Prior to midwifery, she worked as a labor and delivery and postpartum nurse in several hospitals. In our conversation, we’ll explore how to create a postpartum plan, the importance of healing and rest for the birthing person, essential supplies for new parents, and breastfeeding and lactation. We also get into the subject of relationships- establishing boundaries around visits from family and friends, adapting to adjustments in your primary relationship with your partner, and maintaining your own individuality post-birth. I’m excited for you to hear what Elaine has to say, and I encourage you to jot down some of her valuable tips! 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

A student once said to me, “Im interested in home birth, but why would I choose to have a home birth?” I had two options. Either I could tell her all my reasons right then and there, or I could find a home birth midwife to come on the podcast and speak on the subject. As you can see, I chose the latter! Today’s guest on Yoga | Birth | Babies is none other than Kara Ffrench. Kara has been a registered nurse since 2006 and became a midwife in 2014. She has spent her midwifery career working in private practice as well as in large hospital systems, and currently attends home birth and hospital births. Additionally, she offers complete patient GYN care.  Join us as we explore the topic of home birth- why some might choose it, who would be a good candidate for home birth, the standard of practice that ensures safety for the laboring person and baby, what a back up plan entails, and much more. If you are considering home birth, I know this conversation will help you in making a decision- whatever that ends up being! 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

Today, we're exploring one of the most powerful tools for birth: movement. When we consider movement during labor and delivery, it raises questions such as: Does the shape and size of your pelvis impact the birthing process? How does the pelvis open? Can you move effectively if you have an epidural? Join us as we delve into the importance of movement (and advocating for it!) in birth. To have this conversation with me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I am joined by Brittany Sharpe McCollum. Brittany is a Perinatal Pelvic Biomechanics Educator, a labor support doula, and a childbirth educator. She is also the owner of Blossoming Bellies Wholistic Birth Services based out of the greater Philadelphia PA area. Brittany is a wealth of knowledge, so you can rest assured knowing that you’ll gain valuable insights from this episode. Ultimately, my hope is that this discussion instills you with a new level of confidence in your body’s ability to bring baby into the world. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com (*hyperlink episode link from Wordpress!) 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

There’s a saying that goes, “You don’t know what you don’t know,” and this is especially true when it comes to prepping for birth. If you aren’t informed about the different options for your birth, then how can you be expected to make the most informed decisions in your birth! Today, we’ll be diving into the key differences between a hospital-led childbirth education class and an independent-led childbirth education class. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I am joined by Ceridwen Morris. Ceridwen is an author, childbirth educator and doula who has supported thousands of expectant parents in New York City for over twenty years. She is the author of the forthcoming How to Give Birth (Farrar, Strauss and Giroux, 2025). Morris served on the board of The Childbirth Education Association of Metropolitan New York for five years, and ran the education program at Tribeca Pediatrics for ten years. She has taught at Real Birth, City Births, NYC Birth Prep and Prenatal Yoga Center. As you give this episode a listen, I hope it inspires you to bring questions to your care provider that explore how the birthing experience can be tailored to your preferences, versus you having to conform to hospital policies and protocols. Enjoy this informative episode! 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

Today, we’re diving into the birth story of a student who completed her teacher training with us last year- while pregnant! It was truly special to witness her journey as a student at PYC, both in our training and our classes. When she shared details of her wonderful and positive birth experience with me, I knew I had to have her on the podcast to share her story with all of you. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I am joined by Jessica Roback. Jessica is a digital marketer and yoga instructor living in the Chicago suburbs with her family. Music, movement, and writing are her passions and you can usually find her playing with her kids, going for a walk, or planning her next outdoor adventure. It’s no secret that there are many fear-based ideas surrounding birth, and one of the reasons I wanted to feature Jessica’s story is that it offers an empowering and positive perspective. While hearing a positive birth story won’t guarantee a similar experience, embracing an empowering lens can certainly open up opportunities for hope, empowerment, and excitement about birth. 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes, the most challenging aspect of parenting is the work we do on ourselves. It involves reflecting on our own childhood experiences and understanding how they shape our view of parenthood today. It also requires taking emotional accountability- managing our reactions and behaviors instead of blaming others or projecting our issues onto them. It might seem overwhelming just to read that, so today we're breaking it down with the concept of Conscious Parenting. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I am joined by Bryana Kappadakunnel. Bryana is a seasoned professional in the fields of perinatal, infant, and early childhood mental health. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who primarily focuses on 0-5 year old children, Bryana has worked in a therapeutic preschool, community mental health settings, and now runs her own private practice and online community called Conscious Mommy. In our conversation, we define Conscious Parenting, explore the importance of reflecting on our emotional reactions, discuss how to manage parental emotional triggers, and differentiate between setting boundaries and exerting control or punishment. We also tackle the challenging topic of apologizing to our children. It’s undoubtedly hard work, but by better understanding ourselves, we can better understand our children and become more effective and compassionate parents. I hope you enjoy this episode. 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

When today’s guest reached out to me about bringing a pediatric physical therapy conversation to the table, I was all in. Apart from my well-known love for all things anatomy and my own experience with PT, I was really curious how it even works with newborns and babies! For this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I am joined by Dr. Emily Schlict. Emily is a pediatric physical therapist who primarily treats patients from birth to 5 years old. She is trained in dynamic movement intervention (DMI) and Schroth Therapy for Scoliosis. Emily is also a Board Certified Autism Specialist. Emily is the owner of EMpower PT, which provides pediatric physical therapy to children in their homes throughout Manhattan. In this conversation, Emily goes over the reasons a newborn may need to see a physical therapist, what PT looks like for a newborn or baby under three, and how to recognize when it may be time for parents to seek out PT for their child. We even discuss some general things, aside from PT, that you can do with your newborn to help them develop and reach their milestones. I am really excited for you to hear this conversation. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com (*hyperlink episode link from Wordpress!) 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

Having a child with special needs can be both an isolating and challenging experience, but it also offers endless opportunities for learning, acceptance, and education. There are many different kinds of special needs, but today we're focusing on the “unseen” disabilities of neurodiverse children and the unique experiences of their parents. Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies is Susanna Peace Lovell. Susanna received her B.A. from UC Berkeley and is an author, speaker, disability rights advocate and certified professional life coach dedicated to the health and wellness of disability families everywhere. This is also her lived experience raising a teenage daughter with a myriad disabilities and diagnoses including ASD (autism spectrum disorder), ADHD, anxiety and severe food allergies. If you're a parent of a child with disabilities, I hope this conversation offers you support and validation. For those who are close to families with disabilities, this episode aims to show how you can be a supportive ally. Tune in as Susanna openly shares her journey with her daughter, offers advice on finding the right resources and care providers, and discusses how parents can advocate effectively for themselves, their families, and their children. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com (*hyperlink episode link from Wordpress!) 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