In this episode, fertility educator and postpartum doula Kenzie Radigan guides us through the empowering practice of menstrual charting. Kenzie debunks common myths and educates on the distinct phases of the menstrual cycle, providing tools to enhance body literacy and self-awareness. She discusses the importance of distinguishing between common and healthy menstrual experiences, the emotional intelligence gained from charting, and its practical applications, including non-hormonal birth cont...

Join me as I sit alongside Jessica Faith Achugbue, a wellspring of knowledge in perinatal mental health and EMDR therapy, to explore how emotional undercurrents affect not just new parents but also the little ones they're nurturing. We peel back the layers of early experiences, revealing their undeniable impact on the adult psyche and, consequently, on parenting practices.We discuss the sweeping synaptic shifts and the spiritual awakenings that define matrescence, highlighting the power of EM...

The journey of parenthood can feel like navigating a maze filled with endless baby product choices. Join me and Taya from EcoNow, as we unravel the confusion to help you build a baby registry that aligns with your values of safety, eco-friendliness, and non-toxic living. From the critical selections of a high-quality, organic mattress and a safe crib that passes the strictest certifications to the subtleties of choosing the softest, kindest fabrics for your baby's skin, we've got you covered....

Join me and the eco-conscious Thea Merritt, founder of EcoNow, as we navigate the journey toward sustainable living and parenthood. Our conversation underscores the importance of choosing non-toxic, eco-friendly products, particularly during pregnancy, to protect both our little ones and the planet. Discover how Thea’s path led her from feeling isolated in her environmental endeavors to fostering a community-centric business that champions refillable, eco-friendly products. Listen in as we...

Discover the often unspoken journey of postpartum healing as Dr. Kylie, our esteemed pelvic floor physical therapist, joins forces with me to shed light on the significance of nurturing pelvic floor health after childbirth. Together, we're tearing down the taboos and unpacking everything from diastasis and prolapse to cesarean recovery. Dr. Kylie's transition from social work to pelvic health offers unique insights into a holistic approach that interweaves diet, sleep, and stress management...

As the gentle embrace of a loved one can lift the spirits, so too can the power of touch offer profound healing for new mothers. Joining me, Gigi Vera Vincent, is the remarkable Sophia Juarez, whose expertise stretches beyond the bounds of Alchemystic Wellness, delving into the transformative realm of postpartum care. Together, we weave through the narrative of touch's pivotal role during this tender time, where planning for the well-being of mothers before the baby's arrival is not just...

Discover a new lens for viewing postpartum and menopause with Dr. Tina Ghahramani-Singh, who joins us in unpacking the potential of these life stages through traditional Chinese medicine. As an intuitive healer, acupuncturist, herbalist, and somatic coach, Tina offers a blend of Eastern and Western practices that nurtures women's health. This episode shines a light on the pivotal moments of postpartum and menopause, emphasizing self-care, the role of community, and the power of reframing...

Unlock the secrets to nurturing your baby's physical development with our latest chat featuring Dr. Taylor Henderson, a renowned pediatric physical therapist. Our discussion goes into the critical impact of early intervention on infants who may not be meeting developmental milestones. Witness the importance of vigilance in monitoring your baby's head shape with practical steps like altering sleep positions and engaging in regular physical therapy evaluations. Our conversation brings to light...

Join me as I sit down with Dr. Nikki Amaro, orthopedic physical therapist and mom, for an insightful discussion on the journey back to exercise after pregnancy. Many new moms grapple with when and how to reintroduce physical activity into their lives postpartum. Dr. Amaro brings her professional expertise and personal experience to light, busting myths about post-birth fitness and guiding moms on crafting a personalized plan to reclaim their pre-pregnancy vitality. Listen in as we tackle...

Stepping into the world of Chinese medicine, I’m joined by the venerable Dr. Tina Yang, a fourth-generation TCM doctor, to explore the natural and nurturing remedies of acupuncture for women navigating the seas of pregnancy and postpartum. Dr. Yang, with her wealth of experience and personal insights, reveals how acupuncture isn't just about needlework — it's a symphony of care that harmonizes the body's Chi and brings relief to the common ailments of expectant mothers. From the initial waves...

Prepare to journey into a wholly unique perspective on childbirth and parenthood as we unravel the labyrinth metaphor with our guest, Madi Rose Doula, a renowned full-spectrum doula based in Southern California. We unpack how the ancient symbol of a labyrinth offers a refreshing lens for the twists and turns that accompany the journey into parenthood. Madi shares her expert insights on providing postpartum support, underlining the need for self-care and a robust support system during this...

Have you ever felt like a square peg trying to squeeze into the round hole that is the picture-perfect world of parenting? As a postpartum doula, I've noticed that the festive season often exacerbates this tension, piling on the pressure to curate an Instagram-worthy holiday experience while navigating the highs and lows of new parenthood. So, let's shake off the shackles of perfection and embrace the beauty of an imperfect, normal postpartum and parenting journey. We'll discuss the...

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting? Imagine if there was a simple, accessible technique that could help you navigate these emotions and even transform them into empowerment. Today, I have the pleasure of hosting April Fors Johnson, a postpartum doula and certified EFT tapping practitioner. She shares her journey into birthwork and reveals how she discovered the power of tapping, a technique that marries psychology and...

Join me on today’s episode, where I explore ways to build your village of support as a new parent, even on a budget. Listen in for a plethora of low-cost or free programs, both at a national and local level, aimed at helping new parents navigate the challenging journey of parenthood. I cover everything from developmental milestones for your child to mental health resources. I also discuss ways to afford paid support like doulas, offering creative suggestions that can fit into a range of...

Are you prepared to transform your postpartum experience into one that empowers and heals? Join me as I sit down with the passionate and inspiring Megan Limon, a certified postpartum doula who is all about empowering mothers. Megan walks us through her holistic approach to postpartum healing, using nutrient-rich meals, belly binding, and bodywork as the cornerstones of her practice. We explore how to create a unique healing timeline tailored to your individual experience and why it's critical...

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of parenthood? Guess what? You're not alone. Join us as we chat with Stephanie Rosenfield, a former speech pathologist and current life coach for overtaxed moms. Stephanie shares her personal journey from being an overwhelmed mom to becoming a calm and confident life coach. We delve into her unique methods that help mothers reclaim control over their emotions and mindset, as well as the critical role of self-care that supports not only us but our kids...

Discover the importance of postpartum nutrition with our special guest, Holly, from Mama Meals. Holly shares her journey of transforming her personal postpartum nutrition experience into a successful meal prep company. She emphasizes the significance of holistic, nourishing food during the postpartum period and how her company aims to help new parents with the same. Listen in as we talk about finding the right sources of protein, even for those who don't consume meat, and the importance of...

Experience the joy of preserving memories with our special guest, Reshma Sondagar, a dedicated mother and talented photographer. Fascinated by the fleeting nature of family moments, Reshma found her passion for photography after the birth of her own children. Now, she serves her clients by not only capturing their precious moments but also guiding them through the process of photo selection, revealing, and ordering. Join us on a journey where we will not merely be discussing photography but a...

Listen in as we engage in a meaningful conversation with Shamiesha Ebhotemen, RN, wife, mother, and founder of HERStory, Inc. Shamiesha shares her journey, highlighting the experiences that led her to build HERStory, Inc, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for BIPOC birthing families. She opens up about the lack of representation and resources for families of color in Orange County hospitals, the alarming rates of maternal mortality in the Black community, and how...

In the realm of childbirth and pregnancy, few voices resonate with the depth of knowledge and experience of our guest, Stephanie, a childbirth educator, doula, and mother of three. Stephanie's journey into this world is filled with insights into the mental and physical preparation essential for different types of births. We touch on themes of parenthood triumphs and challenges and the importance of informed decisions about the birth you desire. In this episode, Stephanie equips us with...

I sat down with the exceptional Dr. Ritu Saluja-Sharma, a certified physician in emergency and lifestyle medicine and the genius behind Head Heart Hands, for a deeply insightful conversation. We dove headfirst into the crucial role of lifestyle medicine not only in disease prevention but also as a key player in enhancing longevity. Dr. Saluja-Sharma sheds light on the astounding power of micronutrients, particularly in combating postpartum depression and enriching the precious early months...

Welcome to Ready for Baby! I'm your host Gigi Vincent, a postpartum doula dedicated to evidence-based, realistic prenatal and postpartum education and support. I'm passionate about changing the way we view pregnancy and postpartum care, and my goal with this podcast is to empower and educate you while dismantling common misconceptions. Through engaging conversations and expert interviews, I aim to make evidence-based information more accessible and equitable, so you can embark on your...

What if you could transform your childbirth experience into something empowering? Join us as we sit down with Nicolle Kasch, an expert in the intriguing world of hypnobirthing. As a certified hypnotherapist and fervent advocate of fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and more, Nicolle beautifully illuminates the mysteries surrounding hypnobirthing. She teaches us how this comprehensive method, with techniques like affirmations, deep breathing, rapid relaxation, visualizations, and...

Discover the power of functional nutrition and its impact on women's health with my guest, Chrissy Williams, a registered dietitian and virtual private practice owner. Gain profound insights into the world of metabolic health, hormone balance, and burnout recovery, topics often overlooked by the mainstream medical community. Chrissy opens up about her personal battle with postpartum fatigue and the dismissive attitude she faced, highlighting the critical importance of self-advocacy. Our...