pregnancy Archives - Nourishing Birth & Beyond

Episode 45: Anna’s Birth Story

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast I speak with Anna as she recounts her journey from an uneventful pregnancy to a challenging labour that culminated in an unplanned C-section. Despite initial reluctance towards having children and concerns about endometriosis, Anna’s pregnancy progressed smoothly. Her labour, however, was prolonged and complicated by the baby’s position and a full bladder, leading to a hospital transfer, other complications and eventual C-section. Anna emphasises the importance of postpartum bonding, sharing how skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding helped forge a strong connection with her daughter. She reflects on the unexpected nature of birth experiences and the value of postpartum support, offering insights into navigating unforeseen challenges.

Episode 42: Randa’s Birth Story

In this podcast episode of Nourishing Birth and Beyond, I chat with Randa and she shares her home birth experience with her month-old baby, Layla. Randa discusses the pressures of societal norms around due dates and medical interventions, emphasising the importance of trusting one’s body and making informed decisions. She highlights the supportive role of her midwife, the significance of a personalised birthing plan, and the empowering nature of a home birth. The episode underscores the value of individualised care and the need for women to feel confident and supported during childbirth.

Episode 39: Part 2 with Courtney: Preparing for birth & postpartum at 38 weeks

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, I welcome back Courtney, who shares her journey from 27 to nearly 39 weeks of pregnancy. The conversation covers the emotional and practical preparations for childbirth and early parenting, including the importance of open communication with her partner, managing household responsibilities, and preparing for the baby’s arrival. Courtney discusses the challenges and strategies of colostrum harvesting, the significance of maintaining a support network, and the emotional aspects of becoming a parent, especially with family far away. The episode emphasizes the importance of planning, flexibility, and communication to navigate the transition to parenthood.

Episode 38: No Amount Of Hoping Will Set You Up For A Positive Birth

In the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, I provide a supportive and inclusive space for expectant and new parents to feel empowered and informed about their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. The podcast emphasises the importance of learning about the natural birth process to feel confident and in control, as opposed to relying on potentially misleading or dramatised cultural narratives. I invite listeners to a free water birth webinar, which delves into the benefits and considerations of water birth, regardless of whether listeners are certain about their birth preferences. The podcast encourages proactive preparation and understanding to foster trust in one’s body and the birth process.

Episode 37: All Things Solo Parenting with Tracy

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, I talk with Tracy about her experiences as a single parent. Tracy shares her story of becoming a parent, the emotional and practical challenges she faced during pregnancy and postpartum, and how she navigated these with the help of friends and self-care practices. The discussion highlights the importance of having a supportive network, the realities of single parenting, and the need for self-compassion and intentional self-care routines.

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

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.

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.

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.

Episode 24: Catch Up with Amy

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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.

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.

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.

Episode 2: Why learn about birth?

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