In the world of childbirth, the conversation around doulas often leans heavily towards natural births, leaving many to wonder: what happens when a C-section is necessary? Spoiler alert: doulas are just as crucial during surgical births. In this episode, we’ll explore the invaluable support that a doula can provide during both planned and unplanned C-sections, ensuring that families feel informed, supported, and empowered.

Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.

Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy

This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.

Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com

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The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.

Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.

Ciarra Morgan: www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Samantha Kelly: www.beautifullymadedc.com

Mary Farrelly, RN, BSN, RNC-NIC, C-ND, a NICU nurse, educator, and doula trainer, joins Ciarra to shares her expertise on the NICU experience. She discusses what the NICU is, common reasons for NICU stays, how families can prepare, and the vital role of NICU doulas in supporting families through this challenging journey.

Mary has over a decade of experience supporting babies and families through some of the most complex beginnings. She is the founder of The NICU Translator and the NICU Doula Academy, where she trains doulas and care professionals to provide evidence-based, trauma-informed support to NICU families before, during, and long after discharge.

Website: https://www.thenicutranslator.com Instagram: @‌thenicutranslator NICU Birth Plan Template (free): https://app.thenicutranslator.com/nicubirthplan

Mary’s work bridges the medical and emotional sides of the NICU, helping families feel informed, empowered, and less alone during an experience that can be overwhelming and isolating. Through her courses, speaking, and the NICU Translated Podcast, she is passionate about changing the NICU narrative and ensuring families receive compassionate, specialized support when they need it most.

Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.

Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy

This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.

Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com

Follow on Facebook Follow on Instagram

The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.

Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.

Ciarra Morgan: www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Samantha Kelly: www.beautifullymadedc.com

Maxine Eiland joins host Ciarra Morgan to discuss the crucial role of estrogen and hormones in women's health, especially as they age. Topics include signs of estrogen decline, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and how to optimize health during midlife.

With a passion for supporting women through all stages of life—including fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause and beyond—Maxine offers personalized training programs tailored to each individual's needs. Her approach emphasizes strength, empowerment, and holistic well-being, aiming to help women feel confident and strong in their bodies.

At Divine Mama Strength, Maxine creates a supportive community where women can connect, share experiences, and achieve their health and fitness goals together. Her expertise and compassionate coaching have made her a trusted resource for women seeking to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle throughout their unique journeys.

For more information about Maxine and Divine Mama Strength, visit divinemamastrength.com and follow on Instagram at @‌divinemamastrength.

The podcast referred to in this episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/estrogen-matters-with-avrum-bluming-md-carol-tavris/id1533088916?i=1000530253377

The doctor recommended in this episode: Austin Medicine/Dr. Lauren Hutson https://austinmedicineclinic.com/

Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.

Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy

This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.

Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com

Follow on Facebook Follow on Instagram

The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.

Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.

Ciarra Morgan: www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Samantha Kelly: www.beautifullymadedc.com

A candid conversation about IVF, embryo decisions, and the overlooked counseling on embryo options. Exploring personal experiences, ethical dilemmas, and the need for better guidance in reproductive choices.

For many years, Evelyn lived in LA and SF, CA as a dancer, actor and on-camera talent, turned media producer. She drastically changed course when she decided to take on the role of a lifetime as a mama and eventually move to the amazing state of Texas with her family.

She is a full-time wife and Mom to her three children, ages; 8, 5 and 4. Evelyn proudly boasts the title of "Dance mom" to her first born.

She uses any opportunity she can get to educate those around her about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and educated nutritional or environmental choices, despite being an outlier at times in her particular position.

She balances her time dabbling in lifelong passions such as dance and writing, while supporting her family in all their many endeavors.

She loves a good karaoke or dance party but has far too few of them.

You can connect with her on IG at @‌Evievolving where you will mostly find family or dance-mom content and the occasional cooking or nutritional tip mixed in with an unpopular opinion at times. She'd love for you to say hello no matter what!

Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.

Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy

This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.

Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com

Follow on Facebook Follow on Instagram

The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.

Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.

Ciarra Morgan: www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Samantha Kelly: www.beautifullymadedc.com

Evelyn Houder joins host Ciarra Morgan to share her profound journey through the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery of her first child. She discusses the struggles she faced in conceiving, her experience with IVF, and the choices she made regarding her birth plan. Evelyn reflects on the emotional and physical challenges of labor, the impact of medical interventions, and the feelings of defeat and anger she experienced during her C-section. She emphasizes the importance of listening to one's intuition and the need for a supportive birth environment. The conversation also touches on cultural perceptions of birth stories and the need to normalize positive birth experiences. Don’t miss the stories of her other two births in a future episode!

For many years, Evelyn lived in LA and SF, CA as a dancer, actor and on-camera talent, turned media producer. She drastically changed course when she decided to take on the role of a lifetime as a mama and eventually move to the amazing state of Texas with her family.

She is a full-time wife and Mom to her three children, ages; 8, 5 and 4. Evelyn proudly boasts the title of "Dance mom" to her first born.

She uses any opportunity she can get to educate those around her about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and educated nutritional or environmental choices, despite being an outlier at times in her particular position.

She balances her time dabbling in lifelong passions such as dance and writing, while supporting her family in all their many endeavors.

She loves a good karaoke or dance party but has far too few of them.

You can connect with her on IG at @‌Evievolving where you will mostly find family or dance-mom content and the occasional cooking or nutritional tip mixed in with an unpopular opinion at times. She'd love for you to say hello no matter what!

Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.

Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy

This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.

Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com

Follow on Facebook Follow on Instagram

The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.

Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.

Ciarra Morgan: www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Samantha Kelly: www.beautifullymadedc.com

Paula Yost, a seasoned attorney and mental health clinician, joins host Ciarra Morgan to discuss the importance of advocacy in parenting, particularly in medical and educational settings. She emphasizes the need for parents to advocate for themselves and their children, sharing personal experiences and practical strategies for effective advocacy. The discussion covers various challenges parents face, the emotional toll of advocacy, and the importance of seeking support and knowledge to navigate these situations successfully.

Paula Yost brings a multidimensional perspective that blends legal precision with human compassion. She is deeply committed to what she called “legal social work,” advocating for individuals at the intersection of law and mental health.

Website: www.paulayost.com Facebook: Paula J. Yost - Author Instagram: paulajyostauthor

Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.

Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy

This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.

Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com

Follow on Facebook Follow on Instagram

The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.

Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.

Ciarra Morgan: www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Samantha Kelly: www.beautifullymadedc.com

Tracy Donegan joins host Ciarra Morgan to discuss the innovative use of red light therapy, particularly its applications for postpartum recovery. She explains the science behind photobiomodulation, the benefits for new mothers, and the importance of proper device selection. The discussion also touches on mental health implications, safety considerations, and the future potential of red light therapy in various health contexts.

Connect with Tracy Donegan: www.TracyDonegan.org https://fertilemind.app/

Red Light Therapy / Photobiomodulation https://solasta.health/

Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.

Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy

This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.

Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com

Follow on Facebook Follow on Instagram

The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.

Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.

Ciarra Morgan: www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Samantha Kelly: www.beautifullymadedc.com

Bringing a new life into the world is a profound experience, but for neurodivergent parents, pregnancy and postpartum can present unique challenges. Alix Myers, a neuroaffirming doula and parenting support specialist, joins host Ciarra Morgan to discuss strategies for support, comfort, and communication during this crucial journey. You’ll gain valuable strategies to support your journey through pregnancy and postpartum with clarity, compassion, and an understanding of your needs.

Alix Myers (she/her) is a neuro-affirming doula, parenting support specialist, and founder of TENDER.LY, a practice dedicated to supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with clarity, compassion, and nervous-system awareness.

Alix helps parents—especially those who are neurodivergent or navigating sensory needs, ADHD, autism, or PDA profiles—create birth and postpartum experiences that truly match how their brains and bodies work. Her approach blends evidence-based tools with a deep understanding of cognitive load, sensory regulation, and the realities of early parenthood.

She also teaches perinatal professionals how to confidently support neurodivergent clients through inclusive, sustainable care. Her work has been featured in Today’s Parent and across multiple podcasts and webinars focused on perinatal mental health and neurodivergence.

Website: www.lovetender.ly

IG: @‌lovetender.ly.doula Email: alix@alixmyers.com

Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.

Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy

This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.

Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com

Follow on Facebook Follow on Instagram

The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.

Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.

Ciarra Morgan: www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Samantha Kelly: www.beautifullymadedc.com