What can you do to support a physiologic birth when you’re planning to give birth in a hospital? In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, we’re joined by Dr. Melanie Jackson, also known as Melanie the Midwife, to explore the preparation, environment, movement, support, and mindset that can help create the conditions for labor to unfold as physiologically as possible.


Melanie and Deb talk about the nervous system and hormonal blueprint of labor, knowing when to head to the hospital, creating a calmer birth environment, and how partners and doulas can help protect “labor land.” They also discuss movement and positioning during labor—including when someone has an epidural or continuous monitoring—as well as the importance of rest and conserving energy during a long labor. We also unpack the cascade of interventions, how common hospital routines can influence labor, and questions parents can ask so they feel informed and involved in their care.


Throughout the conversation, Melanie and Deb return to an important idea: birth is not something we can completely control. Supporting physiologic birth is not about guaranteeing a particular outcome, but about creating supportive conditions while remaining flexible when circumstances change. They also discuss how to hold space for medical intervention or cesarean birth when it is the safest option, and what can help parents feel positive and supported in their birth experience regardless of how it unfolds.



This episode is brought to you by beYogi offering professional liability insurance designed specifically for yoga teachers and wellness professionals. Whether you’re already teaching or just beginning your teacher training, beYogi helps protect you so you can focus on supporting your students. Yoga Birth Babies listeners receive $20 off an exclusive professional insurance membership. Visit beYogi.com/yogabirthbabies (https://beyogi.com/yogabirthbabies) to claim your discount.



 * Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: ⁠⁠prenatalyogacenter.com ⁠⁠ [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/why-we-want-to-control-pregnancy-birth-and-parenthood-with-dr-britta-bushnell-a-revisit/]
 * Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠ [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/5-simple-solutions-to-pregnancy-aches-pains] 
 * If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! ⁠⁠Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) ⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-birth-babies/id1096416947?mt=2]or on ⁠⁠Spotify!⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2ev2tFZkvgvHTK7X35AeZp?si=gwQDfLZ6RfOua0SInHDNGw]



To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram, Tik Tok, & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: ⁠⁠Prenatal Yoga Center [https://www.youtube.com/@PrenatalYogaCenter]



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

How to Increase the Chances of a Vaginal Birth in the Hospital with Dr. Melanie Jackson

Stillbirth is a topic that many expectant parents know very little about, yet it is an important part of pregnancy education and care. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, we’re joined by Liz O’Donnell, co-founder and Director of Education of PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy, to have an open and empowering conversation about stillbirth prevention, awareness, and how parents can feel more informed throughout pregnancy.



Liz shares the story behind her work and the mission of PUSH, while helping us understand what we know about stillbirth risk, prevention, and the progress that has been made in recent years. We talk about fetal movement and kick counts, signs that deserve attention, communicating concerns with your healthcare provider, and how to advocate for yourself when something doesn’t feel right—all while approaching these topics in a way that supports informed decision-making without creating unnecessary fear.



 * Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: ⁠prenatalyogacenter.com ⁠ [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/why-we-want-to-control-pregnancy-birth-and-parenthood-with-dr-britta-bushnell-a-revisit/]
 * Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains ⁠HERE⁠ [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/5-simple-solutions-to-pregnancy-aches-pains] 
 * If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! ⁠Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) ⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-birth-babies/id1096416947?mt=2]or on ⁠Spotify!⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2ev2tFZkvgvHTK7X35AeZp?si=gwQDfLZ6RfOua0SInHDNGw]



To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram, Tik Tok, & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: ⁠Prenatal Yoga Center [https://www.youtube.com/@PrenatalYogaCenter]



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Stillbirth Awareness: What Every Expectant Parent Should Know with Liz O'Donnell

In this deeply personal episode of Birth Story, we sit down with Caitlyn Sunseri, a doula and prenatal yoga teacher based in Bakersfield, CA, to talk about healing after a difficult birth and how that healing shaped a completely different second birth experience. Caitlyn opens up about her first birth with her son Ryder, the vision she held for it, and how reality diverged from that vision, and the years of emotional processing that followed as she prepared to grow her family again.

The conversation traces Caitlyn’s path from birth trauma recovery to becoming a doula and prenatal yoga teacher, and how that professional journey became intertwined with her own personal healing. She shares candidly about what it took to face the fear that history might repeat itself, the education and advocacy tools she leaned on the second time around, and what it meant to walk into the very same hospital room years later, this time experiencing the golden hour she’d missed the first time with her daughter Chloe.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone processing a hard birth story, preparing for a subsequent pregnancy after trauma, or simply looking to feel less alone in the complicated emotions that can follow childbirth. Caitlyn’s story is one of resilience, self-advocacy, and the power of informed, supported birth.



This episode is brought to you by beYogi offering professional liability insurance designed specifically for yoga teachers and wellness professionals. Whether you’re already teaching or just beginning your teacher training, beYogi helps protect you so you can focus on supporting your students. Yoga Birth Babies listeners receive $20 off an exclusive professional insurance membership. Visit beYogi.com/yogabirthbabies (https://beyogi.com/yogabirthbabies) to claim your discount.



Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources, and other related podcasts at: ⁠prenatalyogacenter.com⁠ [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/why-we-want-to-control-pregnancy-birth-and-parenthood-with-dr-britta-bushnell-a-revisit/]

 * Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains ⁠HERE⁠ [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/5-simple-solutions-to-pregnancy-aches-pains] 
 * If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! ⁠Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) ⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-birth-babies/id1096416947?mt=2]or on ⁠Spotify!⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2ev2tFZkvgvHTK7X35AeZp?si=gwQDfLZ6RfOua0SInHDNGw]



To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: ⁠Prenatal Yoga Center [https://www.youtube.com/@PrenatalYogaCenter]



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Birth Story: How I Healed After a Difficult Birth and Approached My Next Pregnancy Differently with Caitlyn Sunseri

Pushing is one of the most anticipated and often most misunderstood stages of labor. In this episode, we sit down with Liz Wade and Shaina Brickner, The Birth Nurses, to break down what effective pushing actually looks like, what tends to go wrong, and how positioning can make all the difference in how labor unfolds.


Liz and Shaina share what they commonly see in the delivery room that isn’t always working in a birthing person’s favor, and they explain the real risks of ineffective pushing so you know what to watch for and why technique matters. They also demystify a phrase many people hear from their care provider: that you can push in any position, but may need to shift for delivery, and offer practical language for how to advocate for the birthing positions and breathing techniques (including moving away from valsalva breathing) that feel right for your body.



To bring it all together, they share their own pushing-stage birth stories, offering an honest, relatable look at how different the experience can be from what you might expect.



In this episode, we discuss:

 * What effective (and ineffective) pushing looks like in practice
 * The potential risks of ineffective pushing
 * How to interpret care provider guidance around birthing positions
 * How to talk to your provider about alternatives to valsalva breathing
 * Liz and Shaina’s own pushing-stage birth stories
 * Their top piece of advice for new and expectant parents



This episode is brought to you by beYogi offering professional liability insurance designed specifically for yoga teachers and wellness professionals. Whether you’re already teaching or just beginning your teacher training, beYogi helps protect you so you can focus on supporting your students. Yoga Birth Babies listeners receive $20 off an exclusive professional insurance membership. Visit beYogi.com/yogabirthbabies (https://beyogi.com/yogabirthbabies) to claim your discount.


Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources, and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/why-we-want-to-control-pregnancy-birth-and-parenthood-with-dr-britta-bushnell-a-revisit/]

 * Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/5-simple-solutions-to-pregnancy-aches-pains] 
 * If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple)  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-birth-babies/id1096416947?mt=2]or on Spotify! [https://open.spotify.com/show/2ev2tFZkvgvHTK7X35AeZp?si=gwQDfLZ6RfOua0SInHDNGw]



To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center [https://www.youtube.com/@PrenatalYogaCenter]



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Pushing Tips for Labor with Liz Wade and Shaina Brickner - A Revisit

In this episode, we’re joined by Nicole Kruck, L.Ac., L.M.T., founder of Fertile Garden Wellness in New York City, for a warm and informative conversation about acupuncture, bodywork, and integrative care throughout fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Nicole shares how she approaches women’s health through an integrative lens and explains how acupuncture and bodywork can complement fertility treatments, IVF, obstetric care, and postpartum recovery.



We take a closer look at two common reasons expectant parents seek acupuncture: breech presentation and preparation for induction. Nicole explains the potential role of acupuncture and moxibustion in supporting breech positioning, when these approaches are typically considered, and what we currently know about the research. We also discuss acupuncture for birth preparation, when it may not be appropriate, and the importance of honoring the limits of what any treatment can accomplish.



Throughout the conversation, Nicole emphasizes a balanced approach—exploring supportive options while working alongside conventional medical care and recognizing that pregnancy and birth don't always unfold according to plan. It’s a conversation about informed choices, whole-person support, and finding ways to feel grounded during a time filled with uncertainty and change.



• Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/what-acupuncture-can-and-cant-do-during-pregnancy-with-nicole-kruck-lac-lmt/]



• Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most

Common Pregnancy Pains HERE [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/5-simple-solutions-to-pregnancy-aches-pains/]

• 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 [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

What Acupuncture Can (and Can't) Do During Pregnancy

A difficult or traumatic birth experience can have an impact long after the baby is born. In this episode, Deb sits down with Dr. Kenga Sivarajah, a Consultant Obstetrician with expertise in high-risk obstetrics, maternal medicine, and perinatal mental health, to explore what birth trauma can look like, why it can be difficult to recognize, and what healing can involve. Dr. Sivarajah brings both an obstetric and psychiatric perspective to the conversation, offering a holistic look at the connection between the physical experience of birth, the nervous system, and postpartum mental health.



Together, they discuss why parents may feel dismissed when they share a difficult birth experience, how trauma can show up in the weeks and months after birth, and what meaningful postpartum support should look like. They also explore what birth preparation can—and can't—do to help, when psychiatric support may be appropriate, the role of medication and non-medication approaches, and how partners and birth professionals can recognize when someone needs additional care. Most importantly, this conversation reinforces that a healthy baby does not erase the emotional impact of a difficult birth, and that parents deserve support in processing what happened.



 * Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/understanding-birth-trauma-and-how-to-heal-after-with-dr-kenga-sivarajah/]
 * Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/5-simple-solutions-to-pregnancy-aches-pains] 
 * If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-birth-babies/id1096416947?mt=2]or on Spotify! [https://open.spotify.com/show/2ev2tFZkvgvHTK7X35AeZp?si=gwQDfLZ6RfOua0SInHDNGw]



To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center [https://www.youtube.com/@PrenatalYogaCenter]



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

 Understanding Birth Trauma and How to Heal After with Dr. Kenga Sivarajah

In a world where information is always at our fingertips, it's easy to believe that if we just learn enough, plan enough, and prepare enough, we can control pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. But what if the real work is learning to embrace the unknown? In this episode, Deb is joined by Dr. Britta Bushnell, author of Transformed by Birth, childbirth educator, and relationship guide, for a thoughtful conversation about our culture's desire for certainty—and why letting go of control may be one of the greatest preparations for becoming a parent.



Together, they explore how social media and constant access to information have changed the way people approach pregnancy and birth, sometimes making it harder to trust their own instincts. Dr. Bushnell shares how she helps families shift from trying to control every outcome to developing the resilience, flexibility, and self-trust needed to navigate the inevitable surprises of pregnancy, birth, and parenting. This episode is a compassionate reminder that while knowledge is valuable, confidence often comes from learning to meet the unexpected with curiosity rather than fear.



 * Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/why-we-want-to-control-pregnancy-birth-and-parenthood-with-dr-britta-bushnell-a-revisit/]
 * Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/5-simple-solutions-to-pregnancy-aches-pains] 
 * If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-birth-babies/id1096416947?mt=2]or on Spotify! [https://open.spotify.com/show/2ev2tFZkvgvHTK7X35AeZp?si=gwQDfLZ6RfOua0SInHDNGw]



To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center [https://www.youtube.com/@PrenatalYogaCenter]



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Why We Want to Control Pregnancy, Birth and Parenthood with Dr. Britta Bushnell - A Revisit

Birth can be wonderfully unpredictable. In this Community Birth Story episode, Deb sits down with Eyal Meir, an IBCLC and prenatal and postpartum nutritionist, to hear the incredible story of her second birth—from arriving at triage to meeting her baby just minutes later. Eyal reflects on how this pregnancy differed from her first, how prior birth experience shaped her mindset, and the surprising ways preparation showed up when labor moved much faster than expected.



Together, they explore the role of prenatal yoga and childbirth education in building confidence, the power of trusting your body, and what postpartum recovery has looked like the second time around. Whether you're preparing for your first birth or wondering how a subsequent birth may be different, Eyal's story is a reassuring reminder that while birth can unfold unexpectedly, preparation and self-trust can help you meet the moment with confidence.



 * Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/birth-story-from-triage-to-baby-in-minutes-with-eyal-meir/]
 * Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/5-simple-solutions-to-pregnancy-aches-pains] 
 * If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-birth-babies/id1096416947?mt=2]or on Spotify! [https://open.spotify.com/show/2ev2tFZkvgvHTK7X35AeZp?si=gwQDfLZ6RfOua0SInHDNGw]



To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center [https://www.youtube.com/@PrenatalYogaCenter]



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Birth Story: From Triage to Baby in Minutes with Eyal Meir 

Labor can feel mysterious, overwhelming, and full of conflicting advice. In this episode, Deb sits down with board-certified OB-GYN and IBCLC Dr. Jennifer Lincoln to separate fact from fiction and discuss what every expectant parent should know before giving birth. Drawing from her new book, The Birth Book, Dr. Lincoln offers evidence-based guidance to help parents approach labor with greater confidence, flexibility, and understanding.



Together, they explore common misconceptions about labor, the purpose of a birth plan, pain management options, and how movement- including yoga- can support the body during pregnancy and birth. Dr. Lincoln also shares practical advice on advocating for yourself in the hospital, preparing for the realities of postpartum, and how partners can play a meaningful role throughout the birth experience. This conversation is packed with reassuring, accessible information to help parents feel informed- not intimidated- as they prepare to welcome their baby.



 * Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/demystifying-labor-what-an-ob-gyn-wants-you-to-know-before-birth-with-dr-jennifer-lincoln/]
 * Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/5-simple-solutions-to-pregnancy-aches-pains] 
 * If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-birth-babies/id1096416947?mt=2]or on Spotify! [https://open.spotify.com/show/2ev2tFZkvgvHTK7X35AeZp?si=gwQDfLZ6RfOua0SInHDNGw]



To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center [https://www.youtube.com/@PrenatalYogaCenter]



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Demystifying Labor: What an OB-GYN Wants You to Know Before Birth with Dr. Jennifer Lincoln  

Many people are told that leaking urine, pelvic pain, or feeling "off" after pregnancy is simply something they have to live with- but that's far from the truth. In this episode, Deb sits down with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Sneha Gazi to unpack some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding pelvic floor health during pregnancy and postpartum. Together, they explore what pelvic floor dysfunction actually looks like, why it's so often normalized, and how small changes can make a big difference.



Dr. Gazi explains how the pelvic floor works in harmony with the breath, posture, and the rest of the body, challenging the idea that more Kegels are always the answer. She also shares practical ways to support pelvic health throughout pregnancy, what realistic postpartum recovery can look like, and the subtle signs that it's time to seek professional support. This empowering conversation reminds parents that pain and dysfunction are common- but they are not normal, and help is available.



 * Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/stop-normalizing-pelvic-floor-dysfunction-dr-sneha-gazi/]
 * Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE [https://prenatalyogacenter.com/5-simple-solutions-to-pregnancy-aches-pains] 
 * If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-birth-babies/id1096416947?mt=2]or on Spotify! [https://open.spotify.com/show/2ev2tFZkvgvHTK7X35AeZp?si=gwQDfLZ6RfOua0SInHDNGw]



To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center [https://www.youtube.com/@PrenatalYogaCenter]



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Stop Normalizing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction with Dr. Sneha Gazi

We simplify podcasting by providing independent podcasters with experts, tools and resources to stay competitive.

Take ownership of your pregnancy, birth, and parenthood! Join Deb Flashenberg as she dives into conversations with some of the world’s leading pregnancy, birth, yoga and baby experts. Deb and her gues

Yoga | Birth | Babies · Zencastr

Yoga | Birth | Babies

Take ownership of your pregnancy, birth, and parenthood! Join Deb Flashenberg as she dives into conversations with some of the world’s leading pregnancy, birth, yoga and baby experts. Deb and her guests are voices of calm and reason, sharing practical, relevant and insightful information that is helpful for people at all stages of parenting. These lively conversations will inform and entertain you as you embark on this new phase in your life. 

Deb is the founder and director of the Prenatal Yoga Center in NYC, a labor support doula, Lamaze childbirth educator, prenatal yoga teacher and mother of 2. Please visit Prenatalyogacenter.com