Best Care Messer Podcasts (2024)

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052: How to have a VBAC: Part 2, Finding the Right Supportive Provider 53:28

29m ago53:28

53:28

In this episode of the VBAC series, Ashley and I discuss the challenges of finding a supportive provider for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). In part two of this series, we discuss the importance of choosing a provider who genuinely supports VBAC, rather than one who is merely tolerant or unsupportive. It is SO IMPORTANT that you find this pr…

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051: How To Have A VBAC Part One 37:40

6d ago37:40

37:40

Overcoming Fear and Preparing for VBAC Success This is the first in a series on VBAC. In this episode, Ashley and I focus on the complexities and considerations surrounding Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). We are talking about the importance of self-forgiveness for what you “think” you may have taken on form your previous birth experience and h…

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050: Optimizing Fertility: A Holistic Approach with Dr. Leah Gordon 1:07:02

21d ago1:07:02

1:07:02

In this episode, Dr. Leah Gordon, a naturopathic doctor specializing in fertility, is here to discuss the importance of addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just symptoms. This episode should be shared with future parents before trying to conceive! There are some important points you will want to share with your friends and famil…

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049: Trusting Your Birth Journey: Insights from Nikki Helms of San Diego Community Birth Center 47:05

27d ago47:05

47:05

In this episode, Midwife Nikki Helms is here! Nikki is the owner of the San Diego Community Birth Center which is the only black owned birth center in San Diego. Nikki’s birth center offers a lot of co care which means people see an OB and also come to the birth center for more education and understanding of the birth process. Some of these familie…

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048: Supporting Military Families During Pregnancy and Postpartum 46:50

1M ago46:50

46:50

In this episode, we welcome Amanda Dodson, a seasoned doula, CAPPA doula trainer and co-founder of the Military Birth Resource Network. Amanda is a military spouse herself and has birthed in the military system. San Diego is a military home to several bases and we need to discuss the unique challenges faced by military families and how we can serve…

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047: Taylor's Natural Birth Story 1:03:15

1M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

Today we have a Hypnobirthing birth story. Taylor and Jack recount their unmedicated birth experience supported by their doula, Heather. New parents that are looking into Hypnobirthing always want to know how the tools work in labor and birth. And the cool part about birth – is the unknown – which is always the most intimidating! This show explores…

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046: Childbirth Education Helps You to Have an Empowered Birth 52:36

2M ago52:36

52:36

In this one-year anniversary episode, Ashley and I go back to the essential role of childbirth education in reducing fear and improving birth experiences for both parents and babies. Pretty much every episode this year has come back to education, education, education! If you haven’t chosen a class yet, there may be some ideas in here to choose a cl…

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045: Simple Nutrition Tips for Pregnancy with Jenny West 43:55

2M ago43:55

43:55

In this episode, we are extending the last episode on weight gain to dive deeper into nutrition, focusing on pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Drawing on her 30 years of experience, Jenny revisits the 'Four Pillars' of nutrition—protein, water, salt, and good fats—that should be present in every meal or snack. Our conversation also covers practica…

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044: What if I Gain More Than 25lbs During Pregnancy?: A Midwife's Perspective 48:27

2M ago48:27

48:27

What if I Gain More Than 25lbs During Pregnancy?: A Midwife's Perspective In this episode, midwife Jenny West joins the discussion to demystify the concerns surrounding weight gain during pregnancy. The conversation delves into historical and current views on pregnancy weight, the importance of overall health beyond weight, and the necessity of mai…

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043: Natural Twin Home Birth Story 1:07:56

2M ago1:07:56

1:07:56

Today's episode features a twin home birth! Kelly and Kevin came through my Hypnobirthing classes in 2020 and had a home birth for their first child(Kevin’s 2nd child )and assumed they would have their second baby at home too. But finding out they were having twins opened a few more hoops to jump through. As with so many couples who find out they a…

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042: How to Breathe For Birth 44:38

3M ago44:38

44:38

Today's episode we have midwife Jenny West back to talk about breathing techniques for labor and birth. Sometimes as educators there are challenges with teaching breathing because it's simpler than people think. Hypnobirthing breathing(or any method of breathing you are using) just takes practice ahead of time so you can stay focused when your body…

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041: What Is Birth Autonomy? 39:12

3M ago39:12

39:12

In this doula episode, Ashley and I are opening up a conversation with doulas on autonomy and it may get spicey. If you listen as parents – it will open up some questions for your doula as to what type of advocacy they are offering you for the birth room. Be open to having a straightforward conversation with your doula and practice the skills you w…

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040: Becoming A Birth Photographer 46:35

3M ago46:35

46:35

**Trigger Warning** This is an episode for doulas and covers parts of our job that involves loss and birth trauma. If you are a pregnant parent and are not in the headspace for that, please take care of yourself and skip this episode. We will see you next week! This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and a heartfelt reminder of the beauty a…

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039: A NICU Birth Story 49:06

3M ago49:06

49:06

Dr. Shani and How She Prepared For The Unexpected Today’s show is a deeply personal and insightful episode of our podcast. Ashley and I interview Dr. Shani, a former Hypnobirthing student and local acupuncturist as she recounts her unexpected, urgent c section and stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Dr. Shani candidly discusses the cri…

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038: Boundaries With Grandparents 1:00:40

4M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

This episode is a must-listen for pregnant parents or grandparents eager to support their loved ones in the most respectful and helpful way. Kimberly Beppler is my guest today. Kimberly has been a Postpartum Doula for over 25 years. She is a Lactation Consultant and also owns her own doula agency. She has also worked with an astounding 750 sets of …

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037: Do You Have The Right Doctor? 53:31

4M ago53:31

53:31

The importance of self-advocacy in a business-oriented healthcare system cannot be stressed enough. Our discussion today aims to help parents understand they are empowered already as expectant families to choose a supportive care provider and navigate the healthcare system confidently. I feel like so many childbirth educators talk ad nauseum about …

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036: How To Calm Birth Fear 48:11

4M ago48:11

48:11

https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/podcast/how-to-calm-birth-fear/ Today’s show introduces midwife Jenny West as we explore the topic of fear in pregnancy and childbirth. Jenny has been a midwife for over 30 years, an author, childbirth educator, hypnotherapist and craino sacral therapist. Her extensive training in Hypnotherapy has allowed her to…

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035: Alicia and Gino's Birth Story 39:30

4M ago39:30

39:30

Our first birth story of Season two! Alicia and Gino share their birth story today and dive into the emotional and practical facets of their labor and delivery. These parents took to heart the conscious preparation for their baby’s birth and really invested the time and energy into their relationship during their pregnancy. We start off with Gino’s…

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034: Prenatal Massage and Connection 40:46

4M ago40:46

40:46

Get ready to dive into a world of relaxation and body love with our latest episode! Today I’ve got Prenatal massage therapist Nicole Trombley who joins me to chat about the wonders and the science behind prenatal massage. Nicole shares some eye-opening study results that show moms who indulge in prenatal massage, experience fewer complications duri…

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033: Finding Connection During Postpartum 55:23

5M ago55:23

55:23

Dr. Rose is back and this time we are talking about your relationship during the postpartum time. There are so many complexities for sex, intimacy and even wanting to be touched in postpartum relationships. (see episode 022 from Season 1 to hear Rose talk about Sex and Intimacy during Pregnancy) Rose shares invaluable insights and actionable strate…

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032: How To Set Boundaries, a Doula Business Reset 59:36

5M ago59:36

59:36

Todays show is crafted for doulas but honestly – we can all use a little boundary refresh right? Ashley and I are joined today by Doula Heather Taylor. First, for background - Heather shares what happened during her personal birth experiences that brought her into birth work. We then begin with what kind of boundaries and filters Heather brought to…

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O31: Hyperemesis Gravidarum(HG) in pregnancy - Jelina’s Birth Story and Becoming a Doula 56:04

7M ago56:04

56:04

This show contains the reality of what pregnancy can be life if you have hyperemesis gravidarum(HG) during pregnancy. This is a condition of severe nausea & vomiting and that can lead to dehydration, malnutrition and weight loss. It usually lasts through the entire pregnancy and ends once the baby is out. Our guest today is Jelina, a doula and birt…

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30b: How To Be A Birth Advocate 42:49

7M ago42:49

42:49

Todays show is all about advocacy in the birth room. While this episode is the third in our World Doula Week shows, I also don’t want to limit it just to doulas because parents will be using these skills in prenatal appointments and pediatric appointments for years to come! Traci Doula is my guest today, who will also be my guest in October when I …

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030: There's More To Birth Education Than Science and Anatomy 51:43

8M ago51:43

51:43

In our second show featuring childbirth educators, we welcome Haize Hawke. Haize is a Mother, Doula, Student Midwife, Meditation Teacher, Healer, a Life Coach and Spiritual Counselor and I am blessed to call her my soul family. This conversation is much more than regular birth education and will show you just how expanded connection between your se…

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29b: New Doula Mentoring Call, Georgia 1:15:12

8M ago1:15:12

1:15:12

We are back with our second World Doula Week Bonus show! This week Georgia joined me for a mentoring call and we had jokes! Georgia took her training four years ago, attended one birth and then took a hiatus. Time got away from her and now she is back! Georgia had her passion reignited and it’s time for the next action steps. We cover self-confiden…

1
29: Mental Health For Pregnancy 48:46

8M ago48:46

48:46

Postpartum mental health is beginning to be recognized more in mainstream media. But what about pregnancy mental health? Did you know that signs of postpartum depression or the risks for developing it can start during pregnancy? In today’s show I have Beth Warren, a LCSW and author who specializes in perinatal mood disorders. Last year Beth and I c…

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028b: New Doula Mentoring Call, Jeanne Marie 58:25

8M ago58:25

58:25

It’s March! And that means World Doula Week is almost here! This is the first of several Bonus episodes just for doulas that we are releasing this month. In today’s show we have our first mentoring call. I welcome Jeanne-Marie Paynel – a doula transitioning from being a volunteer doula in a hospital program to working as a private doula. Jeanne-Mar…

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028: Can You Bond With Your Baby Early? 31:18

8M ago31:18

31:18

This show is all about PRE bonding with your baby. Yes – it is possible! And bonding has many different faces – it’s not all about rubbing your belly and talking to baby(although yes, I want you to do that too). Today Ashley and I discuss the importance of intentionally bonding with your baby during pregnancy by fostering a nurturing family environ…

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027: How To Be The Best Doula 30:55

8M ago30:55

30:55

In this show we are talking about our upcoming doula series and what sets it apart from other advanced doula trainings. These are not just doula classes. The Doula Education Series is aimed at deepening doulas' connections with families and enhancing their own self-awareness. This three-month mentored series not only focuses on business, growth and…

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026: Do I Need a Postpartum Doula? 1:01:03

8M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

In this episode of the Birth Education Center podcast, Darla Burns, postpartum doula trainer is back to talk to parents. There are so many ideas of what a postpartum doula is and what is included in their scope of practice. If breastfeeding is your long-term goal, having a postpartum doula would be one of your best ideas. Postpartum doulas also get…

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025: Do I Really Need A Doula? Part 2 52:11

9M ago52:11

52:11

Welcome back to Part 2 with our discussion on why you need a doula! Ashley and I have been interviewed hundreds of times over the years. With those experiences, we learned what we are comfortable providing as far as services and what parents are really needing. We want to help you find the level of advocacy you are looking for. Advocacy is an impor…

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024: Do I Really Need A Doula? Part 1 1:00:20

9M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

Today’s show is about why you should add a doula to your birth team and how doing so can cut your risk of cesarean by almost 40%! There is a lot of hesitation sometimes when the idea of a birth doula comes up. While some of it is monetary, we also hear that you are a private person and adding a stranger just seems like a bad idea. Another perspecti…

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023: How to Prepare for Birth - Tamra's Hypnobirthing Story 33:30

9M ago33:30

33:30

In today’s show we are talking with Tamra about her birth story and she used the Hypnobirthing techniques to take great care of herself during labor. Tamra started her birth preparation early because she realized that she didn’t want to be dependent on outside elements to “cure” her labor. Her husband Conner did an amazing job and working the techn…

1
022: Sex and Intimacy During Pregnancy 45:32

9M ago45:32

45:32

Today’s show is a bit spicy! I got up close and personal with Dr. Rose Schlaff– the wizard of physical therapy and a guru of getting your groove back, especially when baby bumps and babies are in the picture! We dive into the nitty-gritty of keeping the sparks flying when you're expecting. Rose is gonna spill the beans on how she mixes a blending o…

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021: How to Become a Postpartum Doula 1:02:39

10M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

I want to say this show is for doulas and childbirth educators BUT – there is also so much good information for parents in here! In this podcast episode, Darla Burns, a long time CAPPA postpartum doula trainer discusses the multifaceted role of postpartum doulas. I have been in Darla’s training and it was the best thing I could have taken as doula …

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020: How to Rank on Google Search 47:23

10M ago47:23

47:23

It’s 2024! It’s time to ramp up your website for the new year and bring in those babies! In this show, we are talking with Becky DeGrossa, a business mentor and SEO strategist! Becky is here to offer help into optimizing your website for doulas and birth workers. Becky and I talk about the importance of a strategic online presence to attract client…

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019: The Power of Flexibility: Clarisa's Birth Story, Lessons in Embracing the Unexpected 33:06

10M ago33:06

33:06

It’s a birth story show! Trigger warning for anyone who prefers not to hear about miscarriage. Clarisa came through our Hypnobirthing series and the vision of her birth only became stronger. Labor and babies however, are a wild card in the equation and her journey to motherhood came with a twist. Clarisa discusses her decision to have an unmedicate…

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018: The Importance of Self-Advocacy and Community Support in Birth Work and Parenting 47:01

10M ago47:01

47:01

This is our end-of-year wrap-up show! Allie Putnam, a former doula and host of The Birth Kweens podcast, joins to interview me! These first few months of podcasting have broken me in as far as doubling my workload and they have also pushed my edges in creating something new. I have loved all of your questions and responses to our early episodes and…

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017: How to Become a Doula: Balancing Your Passion and Self Care 41:34

11M ago41:34

41:34

So, if you're curious about the realities of being a doula and want some idea of what your life will look like, this podcast episode is a must-listen! Ashley and I talk frankly about the on-call life and keeping your family the first priority. Work life balance is one of the biggest challenges of doula life. This work attracts people that have a he…

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016: From Fear to Confidence: Overcoming anxieties in pregnancy and childbirth 1:04:16

11M ago1:04:16

1:04:16

This podcast episode kicks off our series called Tips from a Birth Educator. I met our guest Latoya Murray Johnson, founder of The Birth Impact, online a few years ago and she is one of my favorite people! I hope you stay around until the end to hear the best birth story a childbirth educator can hope for! Latoya is a Lamaze childbirth educator in …

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015: The Unique Perspective of Childless Doulas: Supporting Birth Without Personal Experience 36:08

11M ago36:08

36:08

Today’s show is a mentoring call for doulas but ALSO provides great information for parents considering hiring a doula without kids. Ali Feroah, the former host of Birth Kweens joins us today along with Ellie Oberg, a fellow doula without kids! Sometimes parents are hesitant to hire a doula who doesn’t have her own children but at the same time - s…

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014: Commit and Submit: The Key to a Transformative Birth Experience 51:31

11M ago51:31

51:31

In this episode, Caitline, a single mother, shares her Hypnobirthing story, discussing her fears, preparations, and the support she received from her sister Chaylah. She also discusses her decision to have a natural birth, do motherhood on her own and the challenges she faced during labor. Caitline emphasizes the importance of slowing down, connect…

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013: Facing the Fear of Having a Special Needs Child 1:03:08

12M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

This podcast episode holds some vulnerable shares from myself and Ashley. If you aren’t ok with crying along with me – this show may not be for you. One of the biggest fears parents come into birth class with is the fear of having a special needs child. Ashley and I both have special needs children and today we talk frankly about how that impacts u…

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012: Birth Education Takeaways from Ashley’s Triplet Birth Experience 56:43

12M ago56:43

56:43

TRIGGER WARNING: Ashley talks very candidly about the interventions in her triplet birth that caused things to go sideways. If you are wanting to only intake positive media, this show is not sugar coated. In this podcast episode, Ashley, my cohost and fellow Hypnobirthing educator shares her unique triplet birth story and the lessons she learned ab…

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011: The Science Behind a Positive Birth: Understanding the Five Elements 1:06:06

12M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

Today Ashley and I discuss the five universal elements of birth. After watching these tools work so well for our Hypnobirthing students and doula clients - we need to talk about it! The use of setting yourself with these 5 things will create an optimal birth experience regardless of whether the birth is medicated, unmedicated or surgical. The work …

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010: Birth Story, Andrea: "How Trusting Your Intuition Impacts Your Birth Experience." 45:17

1y ago45:17

45:17

In this episode of the Birth Education Center podcast, I welcome Andrea, a former Hypnobirthing student to share her birth story. Having a baby towards the end of the pandemic had its challenges, one of them being her doula could not physically attend her birth. Andrea discusses her preparation for labor, including practicing mindfulness and Hypnob…

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009: Using the Power Centers to Explore Connection to Self Identity and Your Role as a Parent, Pt 3/3 57:29

1y ago57:29

57:29

This podcast episode is the last of a three part foundational series we use in Hypnobirthing and we can now dive into a fascinating discussion about self-awareness, intuition, and connection during the birth and parenting process. Ashley and I explain how we use affirmations and the chakra system or “Power Centers,” as tools for self-reflection, co…

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008: Navigating Pregnancy and Birth: The Power of Informed Consent and Autonomy, Pt 2/3 46:05

1y ago46:05

46:05

Today’s show is part two of our early education series and Ashley and I dive into the crucial topics of informed consent and autonomy during pregnancy and birth. And honestly, they extend through postpartum. Drawing from our own experiences and perspectives, we want you to join the conversation about the importance of being fully informed and empow…

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007: Choice, Consent & Connection: The Trilogy of Empowered Birth, Pt 1/3 38:51

1y ago38:51

38:51

This is the first show of our 3 part series on the Three C’s we cover in Hypnobirthing classes – Choice, Consent & Connection. This is the episode to share with anyone who is thinking of becoming pregnant or who is newly pregnant so they understand of the importance of making choices early on. It is essential to have a good handle on how autonomous…

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006: Hypnobirthing: "You can do anything for 3 & 1/2 minutes!" 46:28

1y ago46:28

46:28

(Full video on YouTube) Introducing Lily! Lily opens up about her a strong determination for an unmedicated birth and explains the extensive Hypnobirthing preparation she undertook to increase her chances of success. She added daily breathing practice, birth affirmations and meditations to shift her mindset. Lily vividly describes her experience in…

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