Yoga | Birth | Babies

Today we have a beautiful community birth story from Prenatal Yoga Center graduate, Courtney Vasserman! I personally loved this story and think it will be inspiring, relatable, and encouraging for our community to listen to. Courtney takes us through how she prepared for birth, including the methodology and tools she found incredibly impactful from classes at PYC, along with the coping skills she used and how those varied from early labor, to active labor, to transition. This story is absolutely beautiful, as Courtney speaks on the empowerment and trust she found in her body, yet honest in the sense that she doesn’t shy away from describing her postpartum challenges- pelvic floor issues, breastfeeding struggles, and feelings of isolation. I appreciate how she opens the curtain to what a lot of people experience, and offers affirmation to those who need know they aren’t alone and will get through it. Sharing her birth story today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, Prenatal Yoga Center graduate Courtney Vasserman grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and currently lives in New York, where she has worked as an advertising strategist since 2012. She lives in Manhattan with her husband Alex, her mini Bernedoodle Muffin, and now her 4.5 month old baby girl Sophie, who she is so in love with. She has always dreamed of being a mother. Courtney would like to offer the advice that it is okay to slow down, especially in the postpartum experience. She acknowledges that, especially for those like her who are career driven and type-A, it may be hard to learn and accept this concept in the first few months. However it is okay to spend five days in bed when you’ve just given birth! It’s okay to ask someone else to hold the baby or not go on that mile walk. She reminds us to acknowledge the little accomplishments in those tender postpartum months. Courtney reassures that you don’t need to be running around, and that slowing down will be better for both you and your family in the long-run. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you thought about what happens right after baby is born?  Today we dive into what to expect following baby’s birth and how to navigate the first 12 weeks of life.  We discuss many topics including umbilical cord care, circumcision care and even how to bathe your baby.  We also dive into the subject of feeding and what to anticipate the first week.  Although the newborn phase may be overwhelming, our guest Dr. Wendy Hunter, approaches this conversation in an accessible way that makes it easy to follow and understand.   Dr. Wendy Hunter joins us to have this discussion today on, Yoga| Birth| Babies.  Wendy Hunter, MD is a pediatrician in San Diego, CA. She rounds on newborns at Scripps Hospital. Her podcast “The Pediatrician Next Door'' mixes the science of medicine with the realities of parenting.  She incorporates integrative therapies into her practice. Dr. Hunter would like to normalize the anxiety parents may feel during the newborn phase.  She encourages parents to recognize the anxiety they feel during this period is okay and normal.  She says that having a baby and acknowledging the responsibility of taking care of the child, may cause anxious thoughts.  She wants parents to know that they are not alone and there are resources and ways to find help.  She recommends that parents use their pediatrician as a resource to answer questions and give advice regarding their newborn.  She also reinforces there are professionals that want to assist parents during this time and recommends parents seek help. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may be more aware of what you are eating during pregnancy, however, have you considered how nutrition may affect your birth and postpartum?  In today’s discussion we explore gut health and how your body works during the prenatal and postnatal phase.  We look at gut issues and the treatment for these issues.  We also dive into a conversation around bowel movements because this can tell you so much about your digestive health.  This is an informative discussion that will help you make the connection between what you eat and how it affects your body, especially during pregnancy.  On this episode of Yoga| Birth| Babies, we welcome Bridgitte Mallinson to have this conversation.  Bridgitte is a functional medicine dietitian, business mentor and the founder and CEO of GutPersonal, a supplement company that empowers everyone to eliminate gut issues for good through a personalized approach.  After healing a lifelong struggle with her gut, she has spent a decade studying functional medicine and nutrition as a registered functional dietitian. Bridgitte advises parents to give themselves grace during the postnatal phase.  Taking care of a newborn can be overwhelming and she recommends that parent be compassionate with themselves.  She also reminds parents to eat three balanced meals a day, with protein, fat, and carbohydrates.  Sometimes new parents are so focused on taking care of baby, that they may forget to eat.  She highlights that they need energy to take care of their child, making it important for them to have proper nutrition as well. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you find it harder to create friendships as an adult?  Today we talk about friendships and how they can be difficult to navigate, especially during parenthood.  Our guest discusses common conflicts that arise between parents as well as ways to better maintain these connections.  If you are a parent or an expectant parent, this conversation will shed light on why friendships are more complex during this phase.  Our guest Danielle, is easy to talk to and gives great advice for parents navigating these new waters.   To dive deeper into this topic, on Yoga| Birth| Babies, we have Danielle Bayard Jackson.  Danielle is a female friendship coach and educator who speaks nationally about the science of women’s platonic connections.  She is also the author of Fighting for Our Friendships (May 2024).  Danielle’s coaching business, Friend Forward, is dedicated to teaching women how to create and maintain better female friendships.  Danielle recommends that parents should be intentional with their time.  She says it’s challenging to be available to everyone when they are focusing on raising children.  She advises parents to choose a few close friends to spend time with to avoid becoming overwhelmed by too many obligations.  She also encourages parents to reframe what spending time with friends looks like.  Perhaps running errands with a friend is more feasible than planning a four-hour brunch on a Saturday.  She highlights that friends don’t need to be entertained, they just want to spend time together.  Danielle gives down to earth advice that is very helpful for parents.   Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you considered how your endocrine system might affect your fertility or pregnancy?  Today we dive into the topic of endocrine disruptors and how they may adversely affect your system.   Although these endocrine disruptors are everywhere in our environment, the good news is there are ways to limit your exposure.  Our guest today shares practical tips that you can use immediately to limit your exposure to these environmental factors.  She gives great advice on how to find a healthy balance that will benefit your family and the next generation.   To have this conversation, we welcome Sarah Thompson on this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies.  Sarah is a board-certified diplomat of oriental medicine, certified functional medicine practitioner, and birth doula. She is also the author of Functional Maternity – Using Functional Medicine and Nutrition to Improve Pregnancy and Childbirth Outcomes. Sarah recommends that parents should try to control what they can in their environment and let go of what they cannot control.  Although it may seem daunting, she believes the goal is to give kids the best chance at success by limiting their exposure to toxins.  She says parents are able to control what goes into their bodies and on their skin, which will give them the opportunity to reduce damage caused by harmful chemicals.  She advises parents not to be too hard on themselves if they aren’t always able to make the best choices because the journey will not be perfect.   Sarah shares ways parents can limit their exposure to damaging elements in a way that is accessible and easy to understand.  I’m excited for you to hear this discussion.   Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you considered using midwifery care for your birth?  Perhaps you have questions about what a midwife does or how they differ from a traditional OBGYN.  Today we are going to talk all about midwives.  I think midwives are fantastic, they hold a special place in my heart because my own births were attended by a midwife.  In this conversation we will dive deeper into the midwifery model of care.  What is a midwife?  What are some misconceptions around midwifery care?  How does midwifery differ from a more traditional OBGYN?  What is a midwife’s involvement in labor and birth?  Who’s a good candidate to work with a midwife?  We got you covered on so many topics about midwifery, if you had any doubt of what midwifery was, by the end of this conversation you will be crystal clear. Casey is full of passion and knowledge, I am really excited for you to hear her perspective and all her wonderful ideas!  To have this conversation, I have Casey Selzer joining us today on Yoga| Birth| Babies.  Casey Selzer, CNM, is a midwife with over 15 years of clinical experience.  She has worked in both private practice and public health care models including in hospital birth centers.  She has a passion for education and has served as adjunct faculty at the Columbia University School of Nursing.  Casey encourages parents to spend time in the third trimester building a birth team and a labor tool kit for a positive birth experience.  Nonetheless, she also stresses the importance of planning for the postpartum phase.  Although deciding what kind of birthing experience to have is imperative, she believes it is equally important to build a postpartum plan.  She encourages parents to consider what resources and support they will need to create a village for their family.  She mentions that this part of parenthood is often overlooked, however, she thinks it is critical for parents to build relationships and partnerships that will surround them with community.     Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back with my favorite type of podcast episode, a birth story!  We’ve been able to create an amazing community of students here at PYC.  I see many of these students twice, sometimes three time a week.  I get to know them, hear their stories, listen to their concerns and I am able to share with them what I’ve learned.  Today we have Katie Lohiya, sharing her birth story.  She has been part of our PYC community since she was 13 weeks pregnant.  She attended class 2-3 times per week, even when she wasn’t in NYC she would join online, which I absolutely adored. I was able get to know Katie well.  We have a similar background, we are both dancers and performers and I resonated with her.  When I asked her to share her birth story she said “absolutely.” Katie tells a beautiful birth story.  I am deeply honored that as she was explaining her story, her time at PYC was very much interwoven into her birth.  I am very appreciative that the time we spent together helped her throughout her labor experience.  On today’s episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, we’ve invited Katie Lohiya, one of our community members.  She is originally from Chicago but has lived in NYC for 14 years.  Katie graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with a BFA in Dance.  Before having her daughter, she danced professionally for a contemporary company (Lydia Johnson Dance) and has taught extensively throughout NYC.  She’s been married to her husband Vaibhav for 10 years and they live on the Upper West Side. Katie recommends that parents trust their instincts when it comes to pregnancy, birth and parenthood.  She points out that there is so much information to sift through, that it helps to tap into their own intuition.  Whether it’s finding the right provider, advocating for themselves in labor, or getting a second opinion from a pediatrician, she believes that if parents trust their inner voice they will ultimately make the best decision for their family.  Katie’s story is heartfelt and candid.  I’m really excited for you to hear her story, it’s very special! Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does the health of the pelvic floor impact birth?  It is so important to have a healthy pelvic floor in order to have a functional birth and a healthy body.  This is one of my favorite topics!  If you’ve been a listener of Yoga| Birth| Babies, you know that anytime I have an opportunity to talk about the pelvic floor, I will bring an expert on to do so.  Not only have I picked the brain of many experts on this topic, I have taken multiple certifications focused on pelvic floor health. Today we will talk about the function of the pelvic floor, how it impacts birth, how to prepare the pelvic floor for birth and ways to relax the pelvic floor.  We will also discuss Kegels and their role in pelvic floor balance. To have this conversation, I have Kara Mortifoglio joining us today on Yoga| Birth| Babies. Kara is a pelvic health specialist, and co-owns a physical therapy practice in Manhattan, Long Island and Westchester.  She specializes in treating all pelvic floor disorders including pregnancy, postpartum, bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction. Kara believes that as parents get closer to the birth of their baby, it’s really important to allow their bodies to rest.  Avoiding Kegels as well as vigorous activity can help the pelvic floor be relaxed for labor.  She points out that the more relaxed the pelvic floor is, often times the easier the delivery will be.  She thinks that less is more when preparing the pelvic floor for birth.  Kara and I have a really great conversation, I think you are going to get a lot of useful information out of it!  Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you do strength training while pregnant?  Today we will talk about strength training for pregnancy, birth and beyond.  This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart because I believe that strength training can help prepare your body for birth, help you be more comfortable during pregnancy, and help you rehab postpartum.  In this conversation we will discuss common misconceptions about strength training during pregnancy, including safe practices, warning signs and when to return to strength training postpartum.   To dive into this conversation on Yoga| Birth| Babies, we have Nicole Scheitlin.  She is the Founder of Strong Mama Wellness and mom of two. Nicole is a Certified Exercise Physiologist, Pre/Postnatal Fitness Specialist, and Health Coach with over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry. Nicole would like to encourage new parents to think of exercise as a way to support their bodies through their natural changes and move away from seeing exercise as a way to achieve an aesthetic goal.  She would like parents to switch their mindset and view exercise as a powerful way to support their bodies and energy levels through parenthood.  You will get so much out of this conversation! You are going to walk away feeling empowered to exercise and know that this can help prepare you for the path ahead.    Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com  Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices