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Episode 32: Molly’s Birth Story | Water Birth, Home Birth, High BMI

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, I talk with guest Molly about her empowering home birth journey. Despite being labeled as high risk due to her BMI, Molly successfully navigated the challenges by trusting her intuition and advocating for her birth preferences. She highlights the significance of personalised care, informed choices, and the support of knowledgeable birth partners. Molly’s story underscores the importance of questioning medical biases and embracing one’s own birth plan, leading to a fulfilling and positive birth experience.

To find out how Molly can support you can contact [email protected] or go to: https://www.instagram.com/confidentbirths_

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Episode 31: Juggling work and life as a parent, with Hannah

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast I chat with my guest, Hannah, to explore the complexities of juggling parenting, work, and personal well-being. We discuss the challenges of dealing with tongue tie issues, the importance of hypnobirthing, and the need for self-care and setting boundaries. Hannah shares her experience of taking time for herself, the significance of delegating tasks, and the upcoming changes in tax regulations for sole traders. The conversation highlights the necessity of prioritising personal needs and adapting to various life phases while maintaining a balance between career and family responsibilities.

To learn more about Hannah and how she can help you go to www.chivrall.com

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Episode 30: On Balance

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, I discuss the significance of creating balance and finding rest amid the demands of early parenthood and daily life. Emphasising the need for intentional self-care, I suggest taking short, mindful breaks to recharge and highlight the benefits of practices like yoga nidra. The podcast encourages listeners to share rest with partners and take time away from devices to fully engage with their surroundings and improve overall well-being.

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Episode 29: Part 2 Behind the scenes chat with Amy

In the latest episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, I continue this discussion with my co-host Amy. We talk about many subjected related to health, personal growth, and self-care. I shares my experiences with managing Hashimoto’s, the importance of prioritizing health, and the role of yoga in managing anxiety and ADHD. The conversation also touches on the significance of making time for self-care amidst a busy life, the benefits of small changes, and the impact of movement on mental health. We also explore the idea of vision boards and personal goals, highlighting the importance of balance and gratitude in life.

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Episode 28: Amy & Candy talk behind the scenes to get all the goss

In the latest episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, I chat with my co-host Amy about my personal life, including my experiences as a parent of three, my journey of personal growth, and lifestyle changes over the years. We explore topics such as the dynamics of parenting multiple children, personal interests, and how life has evolved with age and family responsibilities. The discussion also touches on my love for nature, mindfulness practices, and my aspirations for the future.

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Episode 23: Why is breastfeeding not always easy?

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, I explore the complexities of breastfeeding, emphasizing that it can be a challenging experience for many due to a lack of exposure and knowledge. I compare the learning process to an alien trying to drive a car, highlighting the importance of understanding human lactation beyond just nutrition. I also provide really practical advice on seeking support, such as consulting lactation consultants and utilizing resources like La Leche League. I address the impact of birth experiences on feeding and stress the importance of early support to prevent issues like nipple damage and low milk supply. The episode encourages you to prepare for your feeding journey by gathering resources and support networks in advance.

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Episode 25: The best thing you can do when you get Braxton Hicks

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, I’m sharing the best thing you can do when experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions. Share this one with all of your pregnant friends! Braxton Hicks contractions are sporadic uterine tightenings that differ from labour contractions as they do not involve the build-up of birthing hormones. They can last from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes and are more common in subsequent pregnancies. Managing them involves slowing down breathing and adopting forward-leaning positions, which provide comfort and create space for the baby. These practices also help in preparing the body for labor by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which is crucial for the production of oxytocin and endorphins. Understanding and practicing these techniques can be beneficial, especially for those experiencing pregnancy for the first time or those who have conceived through fertility treatments.

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Episode 22: Vaginal examinations, what you need to know, with Amy

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, I talk with my co-host Amy about the important topic of vaginal examinations during childbirth. We explore why these examinations have become normalized in Western society and discuss the potential risks and lack of necessity in many cases. The conversation highlights the importance of informed consent and understanding personal choices in childbirth. We also touch on the broader medicalization of childbirth and the need for individualized care, encouraging listeners to educate themselves and advocate for their preferences. We both share personal experiences and anecdotes to illustrate the impact of these practices and the empowerment that comes from making informed decisions.

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Episode 21: Help for an unsettled baby and frazzled parents

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, I provide support and advice for parents of unsettled babies. I talk about the importance of self-care to maintain a regulated nervous system, suggesting that parents find small moments for relaxation and seek help from friends or family. I also recommend exploring craniosacral osteopathy to address potential physical tension in infants and consulting specialists for oral dysfunction issues like tongue ties. The episode aims to offer empathy, practical tips, and reassurance that the challenging phase of parenting an unsettled baby will eventually pass.

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Episode 20: Second trimester preparing for parenting life with Courtney

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, host I talk with Courtney, a pregnant yoga client, about the importance of communication and support in preparing for parenthood. We discuss creating a wellbeing plan, sharing household responsibilities, and managing sleep deprivation. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding each other’s needs and maintaining open communication to ensure a supportive environment for both partners as they transition into parenthood.

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Episode 19: Want more energy?

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, I emphasise the importance of managing energy and well-being, especially for parents who often feel exhausted and overwhelmed. I discuss the importance of understanding the nervous system, differentiating between the parasympathetic and sympathetic states, and the need for regular relaxation to maintain health. I also get a bit personal and share my journey of healing and self-discovery, highlighting the societal pressures that often lead to neglecting self-care. I’m also inviting you to join a workshop aimed at teaching techniques to regulate the nervous system and encourage you to prioritize their needs to prevent burnout and chronic illness.

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Episode 18: Pregnancy Back Pain, Top 5 Tips

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, I share valuable insights for managing back pain during pregnancy. Ie emphasise the importance of maintaining a neutral posture to alleviate strain on the spine and encourage keeping the glute muscles active through exercises like squats. I also recommends Epsom salt baths for muscle relaxation and highlight the benefits of pregnancy yoga for overall well-being. For persistent pain, I suggests consulting specialists such as osteopaths or physiotherapists. Additionally, I invite listeners to a live workshop offering practical tools for busy moments.

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Episode 17: Expectations vs Reality with Danni

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, I chat with my guest Dannii to explore the theme of expectations in parenthood, sharing personal experiences about how reality often differs from what is planned. We discuss the significant life changes that come with having a child, such as career shifts and the emotional challenges of childcare decisions. The conversation highlights the importance of flexibility, the impact of societal expectations, and the lessons learned from children, emphasising the need to trust one’s instincts and adapt to changing circumstances.

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Episode 16: New Year resolution not working? Me either. Here’s what I’m doing

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth & Beyond podcast, I explore the concept of New Year’s resolutions and how the often involve unrealistic goals. I have an alternative I want to propose instead. I’m sharing my personal gratitude practice, emphasising its positive impact on mental health, and inviting you to join a workshop designed to provide practical tools for personal growth. The episode encourages listeners to find what works for them and highlights the importance of small changes and gratitude in enhancing well-being.

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Episode 15: Amy’s Birth Story

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, host I talk with Amy about her journey to home birth. Amy shares her initial fears about childbirth and how she overcame them through hypnobirthing and preparation. She discusses the importance of feeling empowered and supported, highlighting the significant role her doula played in her experience. Despite challenges with her midwife, Amy’s preparation and support system helped her achieve a positive home birth. The episode also touches on the broader themes of birth preparation, the influence of societal norms, and the value of investing in a supportive birth experience.

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Episode 14: Finding yourself in amongst the chaos of parenting and life

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, Candy Elsbeth explores the concept of self-care for parents, highlighting the societal pressures on birthing parents to prioritise others over themselves. She shares personal experiences and insights on the challenges of maintaining self-care in demanding environments, such as healthcare and parenting. Candy emphasises the importance of setting boundaries, finding moments for personal well-being, and incorporating simple practices like mindful breathing into daily routines. She encourages listeners to reflect on their self-care habits and make changes to prevent burnout and health issues, ultimately aiming to pass on these lessons to the next generation.

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Episode 13: Why bedsharing may be the best kept secret and how to do it safely

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, host Candy Elsbeth and guest Amy explore the topic of bed sharing with children. They discuss the practicalities of creating a family bed, the emotional and physical benefits of co-sleeping, and the societal pressures and misconceptions surrounding it. They also share personal experiences, highlighting the importance of safe sleeping practices and the impact of parenting choices on family dynamics.

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Episode 7: The Fact and Fiction of Infant Reflux

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, I explore the topic of infant reflux, emphasizing that many behaviors associated with reflux are actually normal for babies. The discussion highlights common misconceptions about infant feeding and behaviour, noting that frequent feeding, crying, and the need for close contact are typical. I want to advise against the hasty use of medication for reflux symptoms, suggesting alternative approaches such as paced bottle feeding, addressing tongue tie issues, and maintaining an upright position after feeding. The episode encourages parents to seek specialized support and provides resources for further understanding, including a recommended book on infant reflux.

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Feel empowered for birth: Join me for the Birth Tools Workshop on April 27, 2025.