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The Breath & Birth Co Podcast
Are you pregnant and overwhelmed by unsolicited (and non-evidence-based) advice? Join Vanessa, a hospital-based DONA-Intl Certified Birth Doula and a passionate Certified Childbirth Educator, as she kicks off each week with Monday Meditations to bring calm and connection to your pregnancy. Then we build your confidence through insights, birth stories, and care provider perspectives during Thoughtful Thursdays. She loves to merge the power of your intuition with the precision of modern medicine to help you navigate pregnancy and birth YOUR way. Ready to feel supported, informed, and empowered? Hit subscribe to The Breath & Birth Co Podcast today, and let’s embark on this transformational journey together!
Episodes
30 episodes
Navigating Nutrition for Fertility, Endometriosis, PCOS, and Pregnancy with Alyssa Broadwater, Registered Dietitian (RD)
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa, a Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator, speaks with Alyssa Broadwater, a Registered Dietitian specializing in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum nutrition. Aly...
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Episode 30
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1:07:31
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Embracing Rest & Surrender: A Body Scan Meditation For Pregnancy
This calming body scan meditation is designed to help you rest deeply, release tension, and connect with your baby. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply need a quiet moment, this practice invites you to slow down and surrender to your b...
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Episode 29
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9:06
Choosing an OBGYN with Confidence, with Daisy Vance (Birth Doula & Certified Breastfeeding Counselor)
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co Podcast, host Vanessa, a hospital-based DONA-certified birth doula, is joined by Daisy Vance, an experienced Birth Doula and Certified Breastfeeding Counselor from Westerville, Ohio. They explore cr...
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Episode 28
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45:44
Floating on a Cloud: Pregnancy Meditation for Surrender
In this episode of The Breath and Birth Co Podcast, hospital-based DONA-International Certified Birth Doula Vanessa leads listeners through a calming guided meditation. Tailored for expectant mothers, this meditation focuses on surrendering ...
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Episode 27
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6:31
Q&A: Endometriosis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Impact on Infertility & Pregnancy
In this episode of the Breath and Birth co podcast, Vanessa, a hospital-based, DONA-certified birth doula, and childbirth educator, delves into the topic of endometriosis. She answers common questions about the signs, symptoms, and diagnosis...
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Episode 26
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23:11
A Journey Through Color: Pregnancy Meditation
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co podcast, Vanessa, a Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator, guides listeners through a calming color meditation. This meditation is designed to bring peace, connection, and energy to expectan...
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Episode 25
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8:21
Your Birth, Your Options: True Self-Advocacy through Childbirth Education with Birth Doula & Childbirth Educator Kelli Blinn (World Doula Week 2025)
In this World Doula Week 2025 episode of the Breath and Birth co podcast, Vanessa welcomes Kelli Blinn, an experienced birth doula and childbirth educator from Columbus, Ohio. Kelli share...
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Episode 24
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56:52
A Butterfly's Metamorphosis: Guided Meditation for Pregnancy
In this episode of the Breath and Birth co podcast, Vanessa, a certified birth doula and childbirth educator, guides listeners through a calming meditation inspired by her recent completion of an 85-hour prenatal yoga teacher training. V...
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Episode 23
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9:07
Missy Gallow’s Birth Story: Home Birth to Hospital Transfer from a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist’s Perspective
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa connects with Missy Gallow, a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist and Co-Owner of Misama Physical Therapy in Clintonville, OH. Missy shares her deeply personal and transformat...
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Episode 22
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1:10:36
Nature Imagery Meditation for Pregnancy: A Field of Wildflowers
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, hospital-based birth doula and childbirth educator Vanessa leads a guided meditation designed for expectant mothers. Listeners are invited to imagine a mindful walk through a vibrant field...
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Episode 21
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7:49
Not Your Mama's Lamaze: Current Lamaze Philosophies of Birth with Caroline Pitts of Peaceful Doula Care
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa introduces Caroline Pitts of Peaceful Doula Care. They discuss Caroline's journey to becoming a doula, the philosophies of Lamaze, and practical advice for expecting mot...
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Episode 20
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45:33
Imagery Meditation for Pregnancy: A Walk in the Woods
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa – a certified birth doula and childbirth educator – guides expectant mothers through a serene, nature-inspired meditation designed to foster a deep connection with their growing ...
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Episode 19
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6:58
From Nursing to Nurturing: Megan Houle's (Little Dove) Journey to Becoming an IBCLC Lactation Specialist and Craniosacral Therapist
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa welcomes Megan Houle, a seasoned Registered Nurse, IBCLC, and Craniosacral Therapist from Little Dove, LLC. With 15 years of nursing experience and a decade as a la...
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Episode 18
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51:57
Q&A: Rights vs. Policy, Cervical Checks, and Bishop Score
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa, a Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator, addresses key questions about labor and birth. Vanessa explores essential topics including informed consent, the importance of cer...
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Episode 17
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17:54
A Sleep Meditation for Pregnancy
In this episode of The Breath & Birth Co. Podcast, we invite you to unwind with a gentle guided sleep meditation designed specifically for pregnancy. 🌙✨As an expectant mother/birther, your body is con...
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Episode 16
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7:39
The Audacity to Birth Your Way with Birth Doula Megan Neal
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa, an experienced birth doula and childbirth educator, talks with fellow doula Megan Neal of Birth Your Way about their experiences in the birth support field, including inspira...
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Episode 15
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57:19
Loving-Kindness Meditation for Pregnancy
In this episode of The Breath & Birth Co. Podcast, we are dedicating time to cultivate loving-kindness (Metta) meditation—a gentle yet powerful practice designed to nurture both you and your baby with warmth, compassion, and...
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Episode 14
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10:03
The Power of Grace with Chelsea Skaggs of Postpartum Together: Letting Go of Perfection in Early Parenthood
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa is joined by Chelsea Skaggs, a life and relationship coach from Postpartum Together. They discuss the importance of grace and letting go of perfectionism in early parenthood. Topic...
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Episode 13
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29:20
Body Scan Meditation for Pregnancy
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa, a DONA-International Certified Birth Doula and Certified Childbirth Educator, guides expecting mothers through a calming meditation practice. Today's meditation focuses on co...
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Episode 12
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8:58
The Nervous System, Perinatal Intuition, Tongue/Lip Tie, and Vitalistic Chiropractic Care with Dr. Gabby Goldach of the inside space.
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa, a hospital-based birth doula and childbirth educator, introduces special guest Dr. Gabby, a vitalistic chiropractor and founder of the inside space: a family chiropractic studio. ...
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Episode 11
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52:46
Loving-Kindness Meditation for Pregnancy: Gratitude for Your Body, Your Baby, and Your Village
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa guides expectant mothers through a serene gratitude meditation. Designed to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for their bodies, babies, and the journey of pregnancy, listeners ar...
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Episode 10
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10:11
Q&A: Hospital C-Section Rates, What is Group B Strep, Deciding on Labor Induction
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa, a Certified Birth Doula and Certified Childbirth Educator, answers common questions from expecting parents. She provides an explanation on how to find hospital C-section rates, th...
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Episode 9
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22:23
Box Breathing Meditation for Pregnancy: Letting Go of Fears
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa, a hospital-based, DONA-International certified birth doula and childbirth educator, introduces the practice of box breathing to help expectant parents release anxieties and find c...
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Episode 8
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8:07
One Good Egg, Perfect Timing, and a Clear Path: Vanessa's Infertility Journey
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa, an experienced birth doula, delves into her personal journey with infertility following an endometriosis diagnosis. Vanessa shares her mantra 'one good egg, perfect timing, and a ...
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Episode 7
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41:33
Imagery Meditation for Pregnancy: Preparing a Warm Hearty Soup
In this week’s guided meditation, we’ll take a mindful journey through the comforting process of preparing a warm, hearty vegetable soup. From harvesting fresh ingredients in a vibrant garden to chopping, stirring, and savoring the aromas in...
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Episode 6
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9:27