community support

If you’ve watched a movie or TV show where a woman is giving birth, most often, it’s in a hospital, she’s in a semi-reclined position, and she’s typically screaming at someone.  But…….your birth doesn’t have to look like that!

This conversation explores the importance of pushing positions during labor and childbirth. Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael discuss the downsides of a single pushing position and emphasize the benefits of using gravity and changing positions. They highlight the importance of listening to your body's natural instincts, the role of comprehensive childbirth education, and the support of a doula in advocating for pushing positions in a hospital setting are also discussed.

The conversation concludes with a focus on upright pushing positions and the benefits of water birth. This conversation explores the importance of movement during labor and the limitations of medical interventions.  You'll learn the impact of epidurals on the pushing stage and how to maintain movement.

The conversation also highlights the role of chiropractic care and pelvic floor physical therapy in facilitating efficient pushing. It emphasizes the importance of advocating for one's desired pushing positions and staying curious throughout the birthing process.

Topics covered:

• Different pushing positions
• Why changing positions is beneficial during labor
• How chiropractic care can help with the pushing stage
• What pushing positions can look like with an epidural (also check out Episode 92: all about epidurals )
• How childbirth education courses can help you have an empowered birth experience and learn pushing positions (check out Episode 50: hospital based classes vs independent childbirth ed classes) 

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

 Amanda Gorman joins the show today, and through her own two birth and postpartum experiences, she made a career change to share her perinatal knowledge with other moms and families.  She is a Birthing From Within childbirth education instructor, a doula, and is the Program and Policy Manager with Postpartum Support International Georgia Chapter.  We go in-depth with how her births led her to become a childbirth educator, how her own postpartum struggle with mood disorders led her to create a podcast to spread awareness and knowledge, and how all of that ultimately led to her doula work and her work with PSI Georgia.

Connect with Amanda:
Website
Podcast
Instagram
TikTok

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

In this episode of "Bean There, Done That" Phillip Di Bella  alongside returning guest Alan Bonsall, delves into the significant findings of a pivotal paper titled "The Future for Independent Cafes in Australia." This research, spearheaded by Gianna Di Bella, Alan Bonsall, and Nick Parfitt, offers a comprehensive analysis to chart a course for success in the challenging terrain of Australia's coffee and hospitality sector.

Introduction and Background (00:02 - 03:06):

• The episode kicks off with an introduction to the show's purpose, highlighting the mission of The Coffee Commune to foster collaboration within the coffee community (01:11).
• The significance of conducting an independent study with a broad perspective is underscored, setting the stage for a discussion on the challenges and opportunities for café owners in Australia (02:03 - 03:06).

Study Overview and Methodology (03:06 - 05:19):

• Alan Bonsall provides an overview of the study's ground rules, emphasizing the need for an independent, comprehensive analysis to guide the future of cafes across the nation (03:25 - 04:17).
• The methodology behind the study is detailed, explaining how the research was conducted to gather actionable insights into the challenges facing small businesses and cafes specifically (04:17 - 05:19).

Key Findings and Challenges (05:19 - 13:41):

• A critical examination of the perceived problems versus the actual issues reveals a gap in business operating skills, ineffective brand storytelling, and the impact of increased costs and administrative complexities on café operations (07:35 - 13:41).
• The episode discusses the current state of cafes in Australia, emphasizing the importance of customer acquisition and the role of branding and storytelling in achieving business success (09:15 - 13:41).

Strategies for Success (13:41 - 40:30):

• Innovative approaches to attracting loyal customers, improving business image, and mitigating costs are explored, with a particular focus on the power of community and technology in overcoming challenges (29:57 - 33:13).
• The discussion highlights the necessity of having realistic expectations and the value of trust and collaboration in navigating the business landscape (33:13 - 35:35).
• Time management and the strategic importance of branding and marketing are emphasized as crucial elements for business success (37:36 - 39:34).

Government Engagement and Conclusion (40:30 - 52:16):

• The role of government in business success is critically examined, advocating for more meaningful engagement with industry experts before implementing policies that affect businesses (40:47 - 45:23).
• The episode concludes with a reflection on the key to business success, underscoring the importance of strategy, customer focus, and adaptability in today's market (45:23 - 52:16).

Conclusion:
This episode of "Bean There, Done That" provides a rich analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing independent cafes in Australia. Through a detailed discussion of a comprehensive study, Phil Wood and Alan Bonsall offer valuable insights and strategies for café owners to navigate the complexities of the industry, emphasizing the importance of operational skills, branding, cost management, and government engagement. The episode serves as a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and strategic thinking in achieving business success.

Produced by The Podcast Boss

#BusinessChallenges #OperationalSkills #BrandStorytelling #CostManagement #GovernmentPolicies #CustomerLoyalty #MarketAdaptation #TechnologyInBusiness #CommunitySupport #StrategicPlanning #IndependentCafes #EfficiencySustainability #BureaucraticNavigation #IndustryCollaboration
#BeanThereDoneThatPodcast #CafeIndustryInsights #BusinessGrowthStrategies #HospitalityTrends #AustralianCafes #OperationalExcellence #BrandBuilding #CostEfficiency #PolicyImpact #CustomerEngagement #TechInHospitality #CommunityInBusiness #StrategicSuccess #PodcastForEntrepreneurs #Podcasting #BusinessPodcasts #HospitalityPodcast #IndustryAnalysis #EntrepreneurshipDiscussion

There’s lots of ways to start off the new year - setting goals or resolutions, being intentional about tasks, starting new habits, etc.  In this episode, we chat about an exercise that Dr. Shannon has been doing for several years now - picking a word of the year.  It can be a word, a mantra, a phrase, but something that you can meditate on, pray about, and reflect on throughout the year.  And as you pick this word, it can help you focus, stay grounded, and remember your vision, dreams, and aspirations for the year.  Sounds kind of like a birth affirmation too, right?  Check out Dr. Shannon’s blog about her journey with picking a word of the year.  And doula Rachael jumps in on the fun of picking a word, so be sure to listen to the whole episode.  

Resources mentioned in the episode:

#130 - birth affirmations and journal prompts

#85 - Visualization for Birth and Life

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

Welcome to a new year!!  In this episode, Rachael and Shannon celebrate the growth they’ve seen over the past year with the Aligned Birth Podcast.  We list out the top episodes of 2023, as well as listing out some lesser known episodes you might have missed.  With over 17K downloads and 140 episodes under our belt, we’re looking forward to continuing our conversations about pregnancy, labor, birth, motherhood, and beyond!  

Top Episodes of 2023:

1. #92 - All about epidurals
2. #84 - A Tale of 2 Home Births - Dr. Baley
3. #85 - Visualization for Birth and Life
4. #87 - Maternal stress and posture - what’s the connection?
5. #75 - TummyTime! Method with Michelle Emanuel

Top Episodes of all time:

1. #75 - TummyTime! Method with Michelle Emanuel
2. #62. - Signs of Labor and How Labor Progresses
3. #15 - Inside Look with Homebirth Midwife Rachel Hart
4. #55 - Tips for Optimal Fetal Positioning
5. #76. - Five Benefits of Labor Doula Support

Our Favorite episodes of 2023:

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

In this episode Doula Rachael is talking with Perinatal Mental Health Therapist, Shannon Weist of Maternally Mindful. Shannon Weist is a licensed clinical mental therapist that provides both in person and telehealth services in the state of Georgia. She specializes in infertility, pregnancy and postpartum. Shannon helps to bring awareness and shed light on the importance of creating a therapeutic alliance during infertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. Having a safe, unbiased space to share your most vulnerable thoughts and feelings is vital in effectively and meaningfully supporting birthing people.  In this episode we learn:

• What exactly a Perinatal Mental Health Therapist is and the work they do.
• What led Shannon to do this important work
• What to look for when deciding to hire a Perinatal Mental Health Therapist
• The benefits of seeking mental health therapy during infertility, pregnancy, and postpartum
• Universal screening and who provides this screening and how to make the most of it.
• Warning signs for anxiety, depression, and/or mood disorders during infertility, pregnancy, and postpartum.
• Tips for the partner and loved ones.
• What to expect during your visit.
• Plus Shannon shares her favorite resources

Connect with Shannon: www.maternallymindful.org
Instagram: @maternallymindful
Resources mentioned:
The Pregnancy Workbook by Dr. Katayune Kaeni
Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman
Postpartum Support International
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

Dr. Shannon sits down with pediatric chiropractor, author, and instructor, Dr. Martin Rosen to talk about all things pediatric chiropractic care and craniopathy.  In most of our episodes, we’re talking about prenatal care and pregnancy, but if you’ve listened to any of our postpartum episodes, you know we talk about ways to support yourself after birth.  Not only do we discuss continuing under chiropractic care, but the impact the birthing process can have on your baby and what you can do to facilitate their healing as well.  

In this episode, we discuss Dr. Rosen’s book about Common vs. Normal when it comes to cranial distortions and pediatric neurological development and lots of other topics including:

• How birth impacts the infant cranium
• Why cranial shape is important
• What is the dura mater, dural tension, cerebrospinal fluid and how all body systems are impacted by birth
• The importance of the first 2 years of life
• What are milestones and primitive reflexes (and yes - why crawling is important!) 
• Specific pediatric conditions we’ve both worked with: torticollis, tongue tie, plagiocephaly
• Why tummy time is important
• When to seek outside help
• What pediatric chiropractic and cranial adjustments looks like 

Resources: 

Dr. Martin Rosen

Peak Potential Institute

Wellesley Chiropractic 

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

Welcome to part 1 of a 2 part series we shared back in 2021, but this interview with LaToya is timeless.
 
As a self-described “Christian, doula, wife, mother, certified birth nerd” LaToya Murray-Johnson the owner of DoulaviewLLC and founder of The Birth Impact is sharing what it means to be a doula and what it’s like working with her.  She loves being the catalyst that sets mom on the path of success when it comes to their birth.  She considers herself a birth servant and someone who helps educate women about birth to dispel some of the misconceptions that are rampant in society.  By educating women and helping them understand their values and formulate their birth plan, she is able to help break down those misconceptions, and ultimately build back up the knowledge of the normal physiology of birth.
 
Be sure to check out Part 2 of our interview here! 

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

Creating a vision board is fun, creative, and beneficial in helping you create your goals for your life, your work, and even your birth. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dr. Shannon’s vision board events (past and present)
• What is a vision board?
• Why do people create vision boards?
• How to create a vision board? Hint, there is no right or wrong way!
• The benefits of implementing visualization and manifestation for the things you want
• How creating a vision board for your birth can be beneficial.

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

Did you know cold symptoms can be exacerbated or last longer during pregnancy?  This is because your immune system is working at a slightly lower function and your changing body may not be able to deal with cold symptoms as effectively (like chest congestion). In this episode, Doula Rachael shares a regiment to boost immunity and reduce the length and severity of cold symptoms during pregnancy.  What supplements are safe and what is safe to try at home. This episode covers it all!

Vitamin D Reference

Vitamin C Reference

Probiotics Reference

Echinacea Reference

Zinc Reference

Elderberry Reference

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

Today Dr. Shannon chats with Mazi Robinson founder and director of Cultivate: a counseling center with community gatherings which aims to encourage women to cultivate joy, courage, and freedom in their lives as they pursue emotional, relational, and spiritual health.  They discuss the identity changes that come with motherhood and how that impacts our friendships, as well as lots of other topics:

• life stages and themes and how those impact our friendships
• the expectation of friendships and managing those expectations 
• our attachment style - how it impacts our friendships and can we change our style
• we're all so tired as mothers - how do we find the time for friendships
• how to handle friendships that fade during motherhood 

Resources:
Episode 79: embracing the imperfections of motherhood, turning anxiety into awakening
Gathering discussion at Cultivate
Cultivate - website
Cultivate - Instagram

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

If you are pregnant and due around the holidays, this episode is for you. When it comes to navigating the end of pregnancy, there are several mixed feelings and emotions and likely some degree of discomfort and eagerness to meet your baby and for the pregnancy to be over.  Every path is unique for each birthing person.

What works for one person may not work for you and what works for you may not work for someone else. The goal is for you to feel as confident and prepared for this time of pregnancy and that you’ve had conversations withs with your provider leading up to your birth to fully understand how they support letting labor begin on its own and this includes going beyond your due date and learning about medical and non-medical reasons a provider may recommend an induction. 

In this episode, we will discuss:

• What is the “estimated due date” and how to know what is normal, safe, and healthy for the length of pregnancy. 
• Rates of inductions and birth surrounding major holidays
• Avoiding the unnecessary induction
• Informed and shared decision making
• Why it’s important to let labor begin on its own
• Navigating the final weeks of pregnancy

Episodes mentioned in this podcast:

• Ep 26: Due Dates and Holidays
• Ep 40: Lamaze 6 Healthy Birth Practices
• Ep 54: Navigating Final Weeks of Pregnancy
• Ep 65: Gentle Induction
• Ep 71: All About Prenatal Massage Therapy with Tara Thompson
• Ep 77: Informed and Shared Decision Making

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

There’s power in writing your thoughts, in putting pen to paper, and processing feelings/emotions.  In today’s episode Dr. Shannon talks about creating a pregnancy journal to document this important and transformative time in your life.  From just writing down what you’re feeling, to using specific journal prompts to help you dig even deeper into your thoughts, journaling has the potential to change your brain, mindset, and energy.  Documenting your pregnancy through a journal can turn into a beautiful keep-sake.  But you can also reflect on birth affirmations in your journal which can become a tool you can use during labor and birth. 

Resources:
inside look with homebirth midwife Rachel Hart  episode 15
Re-defining self - centered with Rachel Hart episode 16
Permission to re-invent yourself - Dr. Shannon interview on Reconnect to Life podcast

Birth Affirmations
She births bravely 
North Atlanta Birth Services

Mental health episodes
turning anxiety into awakening with Dr. Meghan Toups - episode 79
Playtime therapy and perinatal mental health with Ashley Lingerfelt - episode 105

Other episodes
Prenatal Movement  - episode 128
Building Resiliency - episode 110

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

We’ve talked a lot about how movement and exercise are important during pregnancy.  It helps with sleep, digestion, cramping, bloating, energy levels, back pain, and lots more.  But if fitness hasn’t been a part of your life before pregnancy, it can be daunting to figure out what to do.  And sometimes the hard part also is figuring out how to fit it in.  In this episode we chat about:

• Focusing on your mindset with exercise
• Scheduling time to find movement
• Types of exercise/movement/activities to do
• A sample routine of how to fit movement in 

Resources mentioned:
Episode 96 - prenatal yoga
Episode 70 - tips for movement during pregnancy
Episode 22 - prenatal fitness (running)
Fit4Mom
Birth Fit

1. Practice 4-7-8 breathing 
2. Standing PSOAS 
3. Calf Stretch - 5 deep breaths on each side (if you can do 4 inhale, 7 hold, 8 exhale, that would be optimal or adjust to what feels good to you aiming for a longer exhale than inhale).
4. Kneeling PSOAS release 
5. Dim the lights and then do the hip opener (laying down option if you can...otherwise do the seated one) 
6. Lastly, lay flat on your back (so long as you are comfortable - it is safe for brief moments of time) - stretch your arms above your head, pinch your shoulder blades together and flare your ribs - think of something that brings you lots of joy and take 5 long inhales and exhales.

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

During labor, there’s this beautiful dance between oxytocin/endorphins and adrenaline/cortisol.  The innate wisdom of the body craves calmness and peace and safety and security during labor.  When those feelings are achieved, labor has an easier time progressing and the hormones dance more efficiently.  

Sometimes the sights, sounds, and smells of hospitals can interrupt the flow of your birth hormones and it can be harder to get into the right headspace or “labor land” where you feel safe, comfortable, and private. 

There are many things you can do for a home or hospital birth to create a peaceful and safe space to birth…one where birth flows freely and efficiently. In this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael discuss several ways you can promote an environment during your birth that supports the hormones of labor - be sure to grab a pen and make some notes!

Resources mentioned:

Episode 35: Essential oils for pregnancy, labor, and birth 

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

As you near the end of your pregnancy, and if you’re planning to birth at a hospital, then you might be wondering “when during my labor, do I need to go to the hospital?”  In this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael chat about the benefits of laboring at home as long as possible as it pertains to potentially avoiding interventions and using the comfort of your own home to move through early labor.

They discuss:
The stages of labor and an overview of early labor 
Ways to rest during early labor
What the shift into active labor is like 
Early labor coping mechanisms 
Doula and chiropractic support during early labor
Contraction guidelines for when to go to the hospital

Resources mentioned:
Episode 61: Finding your breath - 5 breathing exercises for pregnancy and postpartum
Episode 54: Navigating the final weeks of pregnancy
Episode 24: Comfort during labor 

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

We recently had doula/photographer/videographer Maegan Hall on the show, but now we’re having her back with one of her clients to talk about the healing power of birth photography.  We always say on this show, birth is unpredictable.  Emma, a local psychotherapist so graciously shares her birth story via a blog with Maegan as well as this interview.  She writes, “Birth brings us to the end of ourselves in ways that we cannot (and maybe aren’t supposed to) anticipate. There are all kinds of childbirth classes intended to prepare us for labor itself, but it seems there is far less conversation around making sense of the birth after the fact.“

Although Emma’s birth was not what she had anticipated, she was able to use the birth images captured by Maegan, to provide clarity around her birth story, and ultimately aid in her ability to process the birth.  

Episode 115: supporting birth and capturing memories with Maegan Hall 

Connect with Emma

Connect with Maegan

The healing power of birth photography blog 

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

Feeling seen, heard, and supported during your pregnancy can impact your emotional and physical well-being during pregnancy, labor, birth, and beyond.  Today we talk about 8 ways your partner can show up with intention and meaning.  This goes beyond just showing up to doctor’s appointments!  From being an active participant in childbirth education classes to working on the birth preferences list together, your partner knows you so intimately and having them involved can boost oxytocin, enhance your bond, and help you have an empowered birth experience.  

Resources mentioned in the show:

Ep 116: informed and shared decision making 

The birth partner

The birth hour podcast

The VBAC link podcast

Doing it at home podcast

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

During pregnancy, there’s a lot of focus and planning that goes into prenatal health, pregnancy support, childbirth education, and labor and birth support, but our postpartum time period needs just as much emphasis and focus (if not more!).  In today’s episode Doula Rachael and Dr. Shannon break down a very small aspect of postpartum: the physical healing, which includes:

• Common postpartum discomforts surrounding the perineum, breastfeeding, and hormones - and remedies
• What meaningful family and friend support can look like
• How to build relationships with your birth support team
• How to plan for the postpartum
• And more!

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Ep 3: building your birth support team

Ep 6, 7, 8: postpartum essentials series 

Ep 36: tips for the 4th trimester

Ep 51: how to support someone who just gave birth

Ep 101: postpartum terms to be familiar with  

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.

Today, we're exploring a crucial aspect of childbirth: informed and shared decision-making. Join Doula Rachael as she discusses the significance of understanding options, advocating for one's preferences, and fostering a sense of control during the childbirth journey. She shares a comprehensive exploration of how informed and shared decision-making during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and parenthood can empower parents to take an active role in shaping the entire birthing year.

In this episode you will learn:

• A deeper understanding of informed and shared decision making
• How to achieve informed and shared decision making
• The BRAIN acronym
• When to use the BRAIN decision making tool
• Building trusting relationships with your healthcare providers
• Navigating unexpected turns in your birthing journey
• Balancing information and intuition
• Processing decisions and outcomes after your birth

Keeping listening - check out these helpful episodes:

• Ep 90: Holding Two Truths
• Ep 86: Important Things to Consider When Choosing Your Care Provider
• Ep 76: Five Benefits of Labor Doula Support

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: alignedbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.