In this illuminating episode of The Birth Link Podcast, we welcome Dr. Emily Guarnotta, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified perinatal mental health provider who's changing the conversation around parental mental health. As the founder of Phoenix Health, Dr. Guarnotta specializes in supporting parents through the complex emotional landscape of bringing new life into the world.

Our discussion explores the full spectrum of perinatal mental health challenges beyond postpartum depression, including anxiety, OCD, and the often-overlooked struggles that parents face. Dr. Guarnotta shares valuable insights on recognizing warning signs, seeking appropriate support, and breaking down the stigma that prevents many parents from getting the help they deserve.

Learn about the innovative virtual therapy services that Phoenix Health offers to clients nationwide, making specialized mental health support accessible to parents regardless of location. Dr. Guarnotta also provides practical coping strategies that listeners can implement immediately to support their mental wellness journey.

Whether you're planning for pregnancy, currently expecting, or already navigating parenthood, this conversation offers essential information on protecting your mental health during one of life's most transformative experiences.

More from Dr. Emily Guarnotta:

Visit JoinPhoenixHealth.com

Phoenix Health Instagram: @joinphoenixhealth

Phoenix Health Facebook

Linkedin

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Produced and edited by Vaden Podcast Services

In this essential episode of The Birth Link Podcast, we dive deep into the waters of pregnancy—amniotic fluid! Learn what this miraculous fluid actually is, why it's vital for your baby's development, and how it changes throughout pregnancy. We guide you through what normal fluid levels look like, when to be concerned, and exactly what to do if your water breaks unexpectedly.

From spontaneous rupture to artificial breaking, preterm PROM to 'high and dry' membranes, this episode covers all your burning questions about 'the waters.' We'll discuss the risks associated with different rupture scenarios and provide practical advice for recognizing amniotic fluid versus other pregnancy discharges.

While we covered nearly everything about amniotic fluid, we realize we forgot to mention births 'en caul'—the rare and fascinating phenomenon where babies are born still inside an intact amniotic sac. This special occurrence, considered lucky in many cultures, happens in fewer than 1 in 80,000 births!

Whether you're early in your pregnancy journey or approaching your due date, understanding amniotic fluid is crucial knowledge for every expectant parent. Listen now and feel empowered with evidence-based information for your birth experience.

You know about the drink and the glucose test your provider is going to want you to take. You have probably heard of gestational diabetes and maybe even how to prevent and manage this pregnancy complication.

Today I’m with Sara, a L&D RN of over 6 years, and a high-risk OB nurse specializing in gestational diabetes, to discuss the critical topic of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

We’re diving deep into the 'why' behind GDM, covering its potential risks for both mothers and babies, such as shoulder dystocia, preeclampsia, and postpartum depression.

Sara sheds light on the importance of blood sugar management during pregnancy, debunking common misconceptions and highlighting lesser-known facts about gestational diabetes. The conversation is packed with practical advice and insights for expecting mothers diagnosed with GDM, emphasizing the importance of education and support. Tune in for an engaging and educational discussion that aims to reduce fear and anxiety surrounding gestational diabetes.

Connect with Sara Alayev, RN:

Gestational Diabetes Nurse Blog

IG: @gestational.diabetes.nurse

More from My Friend's a Nurse:

Join us for the Next Childbirth Crash Course This September 18th-20th!

Join us for the next Birth Plan Workshop!

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Email Colette directly for coaching availability and membership colette@myfriendsanurse.com

If you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast please email info@myfriendsanurse.com

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Produced and edited by Vaden Podcast Services

In this episode, Colette discusses the intricacies of childbirth, focusing on pushing positions, techniques to reduce tearing, and the importance of understanding one's body during labor. She emphasizes the need for effective communication with healthcare providers and the significance of pelvic positioning for a smoother delivery. The conversation also covers the risks of tearing and how to manage the pushing stage effectively.

Takeaways

• Understand the signs your body is sending during labor.
• Pushing positions can significantly impact the delivery process.
• Pelvic positioning is crucial for reducing tearing.
• Breathing techniques can aid in effective pushing.
• Communication with your healthcare team is essential.
• Epidurals can affect your ability to feel contractions.
• Warm compresses may help during labor.
• Staying active during pregnancy can improve delivery outcomes.
• Perineal stretching may reduce the risk of tearing.
• Your mindset and comfort level are vital during childbirth.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Pushing in Birth

00:45

Introduction to Pushing Positions

07:20

Understanding the Pushing Process

14:13

The Importance of Positioning During Labor

19:37

Pelvic Mechanics and Relaxation

26:09

Strategies to Reduce Tearing

31:50

Breathing Techniques and Mindset

For more information:

Find us on Instagram https://instagram.com/myfriendsanurse

Website: https://myfriendsanurse.com

Email: colette@myfriendsanurse.com

Keywords childbirth, pushing positions, reducing tearing, labor techniques, birth plan, pelvic floor, epidural, maternal health, delivery, birth experience

This episode I’m so excited to invite Dr Emily Brownlee to discuss her own birth journey as she navigated from a traumatic but oh so common induction story that led to her first c-section and how she eventually got her VBAC only 17 months later! She is now preparing for a home birth with her third baby as she builds her pelvic floor community with Pelvic Floor Fit!

Emily is a pelvic health physical therapist, and certified pre and postnatal fitness coach. It is her passion to empower mamas in achieving a pain-free pregnancy, the birth of their dreams, and a confident postpartum recovery. As a c-section and VBAC mama, she has navigated seasons of motherhood the hard way and the peaceful way. It is her mission to teach mamas how they can trade only 10 minutes a day for true support of their pelvic health and perinatal fitness.

Find Emily at:

www.pelvicfloorfit.net

IG: @pelvic.floor.fit

If you have any questions regarding VBAC, home birth, and inductions, or would like to share your own birth story, birth business or mission, don’t hesitate to email me at colette@myfriendsanurse.com!

00:19 Leap Year Birthday Dilemma

03:08 Meet Dr. Emily Brownlee

03:22 Pelvic Floor Health and Virtual Workshops

04:44 Emily's Birth Stories: From VBAC to Home Birth

14:27 Advocating for Yourself in Birth

25:58 Introduction to Pelvic Floor Fit

26:17 Emily's Journey to Pelvic Health

27:45 Empowering Moms Through Education

30:53 Virtual Physical Therapy: Challenges and Benefits

43:43 Workshops and Resources for Moms

More from My Friend's a Nurse:

Join us for the Next Childbirth Crash Course This September 18th-20th!

Join us for the next Birth Plan Workshop!

Join the newsletter for behind the scenes and episode insights you don't want to miss!

Visit MyFriendsaNurse.com

Grab this FREE Hospital Bag Checklist

Email Colette directly for coaching availability and membership colette@myfriendsanurse.com

If you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast please email info@myfriendsanurse.com

Stay Connected:

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Produced and edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Kaci Mial (she/her) is an experienced sex educator and certified coach with 12+ years of expertise working with individuals, couples, and families. She specializes in supporting parents with communication and intimacy challenges throughout the journey of trying to conceive, pregnancy, and postpartum.

Kaci is a trained educator with The Gottman Institute’s Bringing Baby Home program, a certified infant massage educator, and a yoga instructor, blending evidence-based practices with practical tools to promote family well-being. She also brings personal experience as a mom of two young children and a fur baby, giving her unique insight into the joys and complexities of parenting.

Kaci founded The Parent Pleasure Academy, an online course and community dedicated to improving sex and intimacy for postpartum parents. With a holistic approach, she aims to empower parents to reduce stress, build meaningful connections, and embrace joy in every stage of family life.

Connect with Kaci on Socials @SexCoachKaci

• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sexcoachkaci/
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KaciAMial
• X – https://x.com/sexcoachkaci
• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaci-mial-m-ed-csc-ceim-b8a27173/
• Threads https://www.threads.net/@sexcoachkaci

Free Resources

The Ultimate Postpartum Intimacy Prep Guide - Free downloadable PDF with checklists, prompts, journal entries, and questions to help postpartum parents begin thinking about intimacy. Discover quick tips to ease fears, reduce anxiety, and replace added exhaustion with practical solutions.

The Parent Pleasure Academy Resource Guide - Free downloadable PDF resource list for parents and providers with books, websites, and tools that covers sex, intimacy, and relationships while trying to conceive, pregnant, and postpartum

The Yes List- Printable PDF Checklist to use with partners to discuss sex and/or intimacy after having a baby

Paid Resources

The Parent Pleasure Academy Online Course & Community for pregnant & postpartum parents

00:43 Challenges of Postpartum Intimacy

01:55 Meet Sex Coach Kaci

07:49 Kaci's Journey to Becoming a Sex Coach

15:33 Navigating Intimacy During Pregnancy

23:49 Building Emotional Connection

24:34 Practical Tips for Couples

27:34 Sex Coaching Insights

36:26 Postpartum Challenges and Tips

43:50 Final Thoughts and Resources

More from My Friend's a Nurse:

Join us for the Next Childbirth Crash Course This September 18th-20th!

Clara joins us today in a deep discussion on how fear has transformed the medicalized institution of birth. She is a researcher-turned doula and childbirth educator who brings a mix of science and mindful practices to birth work. Clara founded Clear Light Birth in 2021 and has supported thousands of families to prepare for beautiful birth experiences through her programs, services, and resources. Clara is the host of the Mindful Womb Podcast, a show packed with actionable strategies, heartfelt stories, and pregnancy and parenting hacks… all tied together to support people in harnessing their inner power during life’s most magnificent transitions. Her mission is to transform the mainstream, fear-based narrative about birth, help people connect with their intuition, and give birth with confidence.

As a neurodivergent and queer birth worker, Clara is an advocate for creating inclusive spaces for people to access information and techniques for a calm and supported birth experience.

01:29 Overcoming Anxiety and Travels to India

03:00 Meet Clara O'Rourke

07:24 Clara's Journey into Birth Work

10:26 Empowering Birth Experiences

18:20 Navigating Birth Plans and Preferences

23:41 Effective Communication with Providers

36:14 Understanding the Stress Response

38:14 The Role of a Doula in Labor

40:25 Fear-Based Care in Hospitals

41:02 The Importance of Partner Involvement

44:38 Navigating Hospital Birth Classes

46:07 Accommodating Sensory and Emotional Needs

55:22 Advocating for Queer and Neurodivergent Patients

01:03:04 Conclusion and Resources

More from Clara O'Rourke:

Listen to her podcast The Mindful Womb

Visit her website: www.clearlightbirth.com

IG: @clearlightbirth

Noted book reference: A Good Birth, A Safe Birth by Diana Korte

More from My Friend's a Nurse:

Join us for the Next Childbirth Crash Course This September 18th-20th!

Join us for the next Birth Plan Workshop!

Join the newsletter for behind the scenes and episode insights you don't want to miss!

Visit MyFriendsaNurse.com

Grab this FREE Hospital Bag Checklist

Email Colette directly for coaching availability and membership colette@myfriendsanurse.com

If you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast please email info@myfriendsanurse.com

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Please review and share our show, we'd love to grow!

We welcome Jill Magoffin to The Birth Link Podcast! Full on turkey and stuffing, we close out the holiday season chatting about The Birth Story from TLC, birth expectations and what does a doula even do?!

More importantly we get into how to build the best birth team around you while pregnant, in birth and through postpartum. How do you choose where to give birth? How do you find and choose your provider?How to interview a doula? What role should your partner, family and friends play? We cover IT ALL!

Jill is one of the top doulas in the Los Angeles area, praised for her down to earth, no nonsense full spectrum birth support. She pours her heart into her work, which shows in all three of her children's books. Find her books here:

You Are So Loved by Jill Magoffin

Dear Little Baby by Jill Magoffin

The Adventures of Doula Sonny: A Family's IVF Journey by Jill Magoffin

Find Jill:

jillmagoffin.com

instagram.com/jillmagoffin

More from My Friend's a Nurse:

February coaching cohort starts Feb 2!

Would you like to be coached personally for birth by Colette herself?!

Become besties while learning EVERYTHING you need and want to know to feel confident and get excited for your baby's birthday!

JOIN HERE

Visit MyFriendsaNurse.com

Grab this FREE Hospital Bag Checklist

Email Colette directly for coaching availability and membership colette@myfriendsanurse.com

If you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast please email info@myfriendsanurse.com

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