In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa, a Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator, addresses key questions about labor and birth. Vanessa explores essential topics including informed consent, the importance of cervical checks, and what constitutes a Bishop score. She explains your rights throughout the birthing process, stressing the significance of bodily autonomy and informed decision-making. Additionally, Vanessa provides insights into the three crucial measurements taken during a cervical check—dilation, effacement, and station—and how they can affect labor. The episode concludes with a detailed look at the Bishop score and how it can predict the likelihood of a successful induction. Vanessa also highlights the value of comprehensive childbirth education and introduces her online course, 'Metamorphosis'.

00:00 Welcome to the Breath and Birth Co. Podcast

00:47 Introduction to Today's Q&A Session

01:02 Understanding Your Rights in Labor and Birth

01:51 Informed Consent and the BRAINS Acronym

05:02 Navigating Hospital Policies and Your Rights

05:55 Cervical Checks: What They Mean and Your Rights

09:28 The Importance of Baby's Station During Labor

12:30 Understanding the Bishop Score

15:07 Childbirth Education and Resources

17:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For more information, see the SHOW NOTES here.

Follow me on Instagram here!
Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

In this episode of The Breath & Birth Co. Podcast, we invite you to unwind with a gentle guided sleep meditation designed specifically for pregnancy. 🌙✨

As an expectant mother/birther, your body is constantly changing, and finding deep rest can sometimes feel out of reach. This meditation will help you:

💛 Release tension from head to toe

💛 Connect with your breath to calm your nervous system

💛 Create a peaceful space for both you and your baby

💛 Drift into deep, restful sleep

Find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and allow yourself to surrender into relaxation. You are safe, supported, and deeply loved.

Check out more in the SHOW NOTES here.

Follow me on Instagram here!
Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa, an experienced birth doula and childbirth educator, talks with fellow doula Megan Neal of Birth Your Way about their experiences in the birth support field, including inspirations, challenges, and the importance of advocacy. Megan shares her journey into birth work, misconceptions about labor, and the roles of support partners. They discuss the importance of developing confidence, creating a calm birthing environment, and building a supportive village during pregnancy. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of doulas and other professionals, like pelvic health therapists, in supporting a positive birth experience. Vanessa and Megan offer practical advice for birthing individuals and their partners to feel empowered and informed throughout the pregnancy and birthing process.

See more in the SHOW NOTES here.

Follow me on Instagram here!
Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

In this episode of The Breath & Birth Co. Podcast, we are dedicating time to cultivate loving-kindness (Metta) meditation—a gentle yet powerful practice designed to nurture both you and your baby with warmth, compassion, and peace. Pregnancy is a season of transformation, and this meditation invites you to soften, breathe deeply, and embrace yourself with kindness. You’ll be guided through:

✨ Centering your breath and relaxing your body

✨ Sending loving-kindness to yourself

✨ Connecting with your baby through warmth and intention

✨ Extending gratitude to your support system

✨ Holding space for all birthing parents and babies worldwide

Follow me on Instagram here!
Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa is joined by Chelsea Skaggs, a life and relationship coach from Postpartum Together. They discuss the importance of grace and letting go of perfectionism in early parenthood. Topics include dealing with societal pressures, navigating changes in relationships, and managing parent guilt. Chelsea shares insights from her background in psychology and sociology, and offers practical advice for maintaining a healthy family dynamic. They also highlight the significance of understanding personal and family values, and how to shift from a 'to-do' list to a 'to-be' list. The episode concludes with information on how listeners can connect with Chelsea for individual or couples coaching, and additional resources.

Check out the SHOW NOTES here.

Follow me on Instagram here!
Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa, a DONA-International Certified Birth Doula and Certified Childbirth Educator, guides expecting mothers through a calming meditation practice. Today's meditation focuses on connecting with your body and baby, releasing tension, and fostering a sense of calm through a full body scan. Vanessa emphasizes gratitude for the body's work during pregnancy and offers a soothing relaxation technique to carry through the day.

You can find the SHOW NOTES here.

Follow me on Instagram here!
Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa, a hospital-based birth doula and childbirth educator, introduces special guest Dr. Gabby, a vitalistic chiropractor and founder of the inside space: a family chiropractic studio. They delve into the significance of nervous system regulation in pregnancy, childbirth, and infant care. Dr. Gabby explains how the nervous system impacts bodily functions and how chiropractic care can help mothers and babies perceive safety and improve overall well-being. They also discuss the holistic approach to addressing tongue-tie in infants, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body. The conversation highlights the importance of maternal instincts and the supportive birth community in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Gabby shares her journey and future plans for expanding her practice to continue serving families with compassionate care.

For more information on the inside space and resources discussed in this episode, see the show notes here.

Follow me on Instagram here!
Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa guides expectant mothers through a serene gratitude meditation. Designed to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for their bodies, babies, and the journey of pregnancy, listeners are encouraged to find a comfortable position, relax, and connect with their breath. The meditation focuses on recognizing the incredible work the body does during pregnancy, the growing bond with the baby, and the support from loved ones. Vanessa also highlights the importance of self-appreciation and provides a calming ritual to carry throughout the day. Tune in to feel supported, informed, and empowered on this transformative journey.

For more information, see this episode's show notes here.

Follow me on Instagram here!
Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.