Casey is a writer and advocate driven by a deep commitment to maternal health and mental well-being. As a mother who has navigated the complexities of birth trauma and postpartum challenges, she understands firsthand the emotional and physical toll motherhood can take. Casey is dedicated to creating a space where mothers feel heard, supported, and empowered in their journeys.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Forensic Medicine, which inform her unique perspective on the intersection of mental health, trauma, and the systemic challenges faced by mothers. A writer, mother, and relentless truth-seeker, she hopes her work sparks much-needed conversations around maternal mental health, healthcare reform, and the strength it takes to navigate the unseen realities of motherhood.

More from Casey:

Visit her website AlchemyOfMotherhood.com

Join the alchemy of motherhood Discord group! https://discord.gg/UkAPCeqGSz

Follow her on Instagram: @alchemymotherhood

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Produced and edited by Vaden Podcast Services

I numbered this episode - finally. I get into a straight shooting discussion on Pitocin, and how we as nurses and the hospital system manage this drug. How do we navigate this, probably overused drug, with respect and safety?

Evidence based, shared decision making is what is sold in the hospital, but is that what you are getting? Too many times we are starting this medication without much of a conversation at all. Let's get into it here and come out with a better understanding of this very useful drug and some questions to ask your provider.

Interested in having your own birth coach to work with virtually during your pregnancy? Yes you CAN be that empowered, bad a$$ BOSS in your birth room, and I can help you get there.

In this illuminating episode of The Birth Link Podcast, we welcome Dr. Emily Guarnotta, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified perinatal mental health provider who's changing the conversation around parental mental health. As the founder of Phoenix Health, Dr. Guarnotta specializes in supporting parents through the complex emotional landscape of bringing new life into the world.

Our discussion explores the full spectrum of perinatal mental health challenges beyond postpartum depression, including anxiety, OCD, and the often-overlooked struggles that parents face. Dr. Guarnotta shares valuable insights on recognizing warning signs, seeking appropriate support, and breaking down the stigma that prevents many parents from getting the help they deserve.

Learn about the innovative virtual therapy services that Phoenix Health offers to clients nationwide, making specialized mental health support accessible to parents regardless of location. Dr. Guarnotta also provides practical coping strategies that listeners can implement immediately to support their mental wellness journey.

Whether you're planning for pregnancy, currently expecting, or already navigating parenthood, this conversation offers essential information on protecting your mental health during one of life's most transformative experiences.

More from Dr. Emily Guarnotta:

Visit JoinPhoenixHealth.com

Phoenix Health Instagram: @joinphoenixhealth

Phoenix Health Facebook

Linkedin

More from My Friend's a Nurse:

Get Your Childbirth Crash Course Here!

Join the newsletter for behind the scenes and episode insights you don't want to miss!

Visit MyFriendsaNurse.com

Grab this FREE Hospital Bag Checklist

Email Colette directly for coaching availability and membership colette@myfriendsanurse.com

If you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast send us an email!

Stay Connected:

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Produced and edited by Vaden Podcast Services

In this essential episode of The Birth Link Podcast, we dive deep into the waters of pregnancy—amniotic fluid! Learn what this miraculous fluid actually is, why it's vital for your baby's development, and how it changes throughout pregnancy. We guide you through what normal fluid levels look like, when to be concerned, and exactly what to do if your water breaks unexpectedly.

From spontaneous rupture to artificial breaking, preterm PROM to 'high and dry' membranes, this episode covers all your burning questions about 'the waters.' We'll discuss the risks associated with different rupture scenarios and provide practical advice for recognizing amniotic fluid versus other pregnancy discharges.

While we covered nearly everything about amniotic fluid, we realize we forgot to mention births 'en caul'—the rare and fascinating phenomenon where babies are born still inside an intact amniotic sac. This special occurrence, considered lucky in many cultures, happens in fewer than 1 in 80,000 births!

Whether you're early in your pregnancy journey or approaching your due date, understanding amniotic fluid is crucial knowledge for every expectant parent. Listen now and feel empowered with evidence-based information for your birth experience.

You know about the drink and the glucose test your provider is going to want you to take. You have probably heard of gestational diabetes and maybe even how to prevent and manage this pregnancy complication.

Today I’m with Sara, a L&D RN of over 6 years, and a high-risk OB nurse specializing in gestational diabetes, to discuss the critical topic of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

We’re diving deep into the 'why' behind GDM, covering its potential risks for both mothers and babies, such as shoulder dystocia, preeclampsia, and postpartum depression.

Sara sheds light on the importance of blood sugar management during pregnancy, debunking common misconceptions and highlighting lesser-known facts about gestational diabetes. The conversation is packed with practical advice and insights for expecting mothers diagnosed with GDM, emphasizing the importance of education and support. Tune in for an engaging and educational discussion that aims to reduce fear and anxiety surrounding gestational diabetes.

Connect with Sara Alayev, RN:

Gestational Diabetes Nurse Blog

IG: @gestational.diabetes.nurse

More from My Friend's a Nurse:

Join us for the Next Childbirth Crash Course This September 18th-20th!

Join us for the next Birth Plan Workshop!

Join the newsletter for behind the scenes and episode insights you don't want to miss!

Visit MyFriendsaNurse.com

Grab this FREE Hospital Bag Checklist

Email Colette directly for coaching availability and membership colette@myfriendsanurse.com

If you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast please email info@myfriendsanurse.com

Stay Connected:

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Produced and edited by Vaden Podcast Services

In this episode, Colette discusses the intricacies of childbirth, focusing on pushing positions, techniques to reduce tearing, and the importance of understanding one's body during labor. She emphasizes the need for effective communication with healthcare providers and the significance of pelvic positioning for a smoother delivery. The conversation also covers the risks of tearing and how to manage the pushing stage effectively.

Takeaways

• Understand the signs your body is sending during labor.
• Pushing positions can significantly impact the delivery process.
• Pelvic positioning is crucial for reducing tearing.
• Breathing techniques can aid in effective pushing.
• Communication with your healthcare team is essential.
• Epidurals can affect your ability to feel contractions.
• Warm compresses may help during labor.
• Staying active during pregnancy can improve delivery outcomes.
• Perineal stretching may reduce the risk of tearing.
• Your mindset and comfort level are vital during childbirth.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Pushing in Birth

00:45

Introduction to Pushing Positions

07:20

Understanding the Pushing Process

14:13

The Importance of Positioning During Labor

19:37

Pelvic Mechanics and Relaxation

26:09

Strategies to Reduce Tearing

31:50

Breathing Techniques and Mindset

For more information:

Find us on Instagram https://instagram.com/myfriendsanurse

Website: https://myfriendsanurse.com

Email: colette@myfriendsanurse.com

Keywords childbirth, pushing positions, reducing tearing, labor techniques, birth plan, pelvic floor, epidural, maternal health, delivery, birth experience

This episode I’m so excited to invite Dr Emily Brownlee to discuss her own birth journey as she navigated from a traumatic but oh so common induction story that led to her first c-section and how she eventually got her VBAC only 17 months later! She is now preparing for a home birth with her third baby as she builds her pelvic floor community with Pelvic Floor Fit!

Emily is a pelvic health physical therapist, and certified pre and postnatal fitness coach. It is her passion to empower mamas in achieving a pain-free pregnancy, the birth of their dreams, and a confident postpartum recovery. As a c-section and VBAC mama, she has navigated seasons of motherhood the hard way and the peaceful way. It is her mission to teach mamas how they can trade only 10 minutes a day for true support of their pelvic health and perinatal fitness.

Find Emily at:

www.pelvicfloorfit.net

IG: @pelvic.floor.fit

If you have any questions regarding VBAC, home birth, and inductions, or would like to share your own birth story, birth business or mission, don’t hesitate to email me at colette@myfriendsanurse.com!

00:19 Leap Year Birthday Dilemma

03:08 Meet Dr. Emily Brownlee

03:22 Pelvic Floor Health and Virtual Workshops

04:44 Emily's Birth Stories: From VBAC to Home Birth

14:27 Advocating for Yourself in Birth

25:58 Introduction to Pelvic Floor Fit

26:17 Emily's Journey to Pelvic Health

27:45 Empowering Moms Through Education

30:53 Virtual Physical Therapy: Challenges and Benefits

43:43 Workshops and Resources for Moms

More from My Friend's a Nurse:

Join us for the Next Childbirth Crash Course This September 18th-20th!

Join us for the next Birth Plan Workshop!

Join the newsletter for behind the scenes and episode insights you don't want to miss!

Visit MyFriendsaNurse.com

Grab this FREE Hospital Bag Checklist

Email Colette directly for coaching availability and membership colette@myfriendsanurse.com

If you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast please email info@myfriendsanurse.com

Stay Connected:

Instagram

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FaceBook

Produced and edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Kaci Mial (she/her) is an experienced sex educator and certified coach with 12+ years of expertise working with individuals, couples, and families. She specializes in supporting parents with communication and intimacy challenges throughout the journey of trying to conceive, pregnancy, and postpartum.

Kaci is a trained educator with The Gottman Institute’s Bringing Baby Home program, a certified infant massage educator, and a yoga instructor, blending evidence-based practices with practical tools to promote family well-being. She also brings personal experience as a mom of two young children and a fur baby, giving her unique insight into the joys and complexities of parenting.

Kaci founded The Parent Pleasure Academy, an online course and community dedicated to improving sex and intimacy for postpartum parents. With a holistic approach, she aims to empower parents to reduce stress, build meaningful connections, and embrace joy in every stage of family life.

Connect with Kaci on Socials @SexCoachKaci

• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sexcoachkaci/
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KaciAMial
• X – https://x.com/sexcoachkaci
• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaci-mial-m-ed-csc-ceim-b8a27173/
• Threads https://www.threads.net/@sexcoachkaci

Free Resources

The Ultimate Postpartum Intimacy Prep Guide - Free downloadable PDF with checklists, prompts, journal entries, and questions to help postpartum parents begin thinking about intimacy. Discover quick tips to ease fears, reduce anxiety, and replace added exhaustion with practical solutions.

The Parent Pleasure Academy Resource Guide - Free downloadable PDF resource list for parents and providers with books, websites, and tools that covers sex, intimacy, and relationships while trying to conceive, pregnant, and postpartum

The Yes List- Printable PDF Checklist to use with partners to discuss sex and/or intimacy after having a baby

Paid Resources

The Parent Pleasure Academy Online Course & Community for pregnant & postpartum parents

00:43 Challenges of Postpartum Intimacy

01:55 Meet Sex Coach Kaci

07:49 Kaci's Journey to Becoming a Sex Coach

15:33 Navigating Intimacy During Pregnancy

23:49 Building Emotional Connection

24:34 Practical Tips for Couples

27:34 Sex Coaching Insights

36:26 Postpartum Challenges and Tips

43:50 Final Thoughts and Resources

More from My Friend's a Nurse:

Join us for the Next Childbirth Crash Course This September 18th-20th!