Birth, Baby! | Guidance for Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum, and Parenting

Doula Commentary About the Free Birth Society Controversy

Host Ciarra Morgan and special guest Jes Gannon engage in a candid discussion about the controversial Free Birth Society and its implications for expectant mothers. They reflect on their personal experiences and opinions regarding unassisted births, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and the potential risks involved. The conversation is sparked by a recent podcast series from The Guardian that investigates the Free Birth Society, prompting Ciarra and Jes to share their insights and concerns about the community's practices and the impact on vulnerable women. They explore the balance between autonomy in childbirth and the necessity of medical oversight, highlighting the dangers of misinformation and the emotional toll on families affected by tragic outcomes.
Link to The Birth Keepers: The Guardian Investigates podcast about the Free Birth Society investigation: https://open.spotify.com/show/57nEonC68q5vgEi6a1k398?si=3ec36e20849643af
Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. 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.
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com
Other ways to connect:
http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comhttp://www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

A Mother’s Story of Escaping Domestic Violence and Navigating a High-Risk Pregnancy

Jennifer Lucas joins host Ciarra Morgan to share her powerful and deeply personal birth story. She shares what it was like to navigate pregnancy, survival, and motherhood while fleeing an abusive relationship. She discusses leaving an abusive relationship while pregnant, navigating a high-risk pregnancy and complex medical decisions, the emotional reality of having a baby in the NICU, and parenting and advocating for your child as a single mother. This conversation is raw, honest, and ultimately rooted in resilience — a reminder that safety, support, and new beginnings are possible, even when the path is incredibly hard.
Jennifer Lucas is a mother of two girls, 3 years old and 6 months old as of January 2026.  When she found out she was pregnant with her second child, she was a stay-at-home mom in the process of fleeing an abusive relationship.  She spent her first months of pregnancy in a domestic violence shelter before picking her career back up as a Special Education Teacher and making a fresh start.  Before she could completely regain her footing, however, complications were found on her 20-week ultrasound. After extensive testing, her baby was diagnosed with a severe growth restriction in the 1st percentile. She was hospitalized soon after for monitoring, and her baby was born at 32 weeks, spending 9 weeks in the NICU.  When she's not working or caring for her children, she's busy writing a book about her experiences, with the hopes of helping and empowering other women and moms in the same position.
Facebook: https://facebook.com/jennlu512Instagram: @‌jennlu512
Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. 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.
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com
Other ways to connect:
http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comhttp://www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

A Discussion About Why Your Doula Doesn't Offer Refunds

In this episode, Ciarra Morgan discusses the reasons behind the no-refund policy for doula services, emphasizing the commitment and business aspects of being a doula. She explains the various factors that contribute to the cost of doula services, including prenatal meetings, on-call time, and the importance of honoring contracts between clients and doulas. Ciarra also touches on postpartum care and the implications of canceling services.
Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. 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.
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com
Other ways to connect:
http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comhttp://www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

The Influence and Impact of the Free Birth Society

Leonora Colen, a home birth midwife, joins Ciarra Morgan to talk about the recent news of the Free Birth Society. They delve into the topic of free birth, exploring its definition, origins, and the rise of the Free Birth Society. They discuss the implications of free birth, including the trauma some women experience in medical settings, the role of midwives and doulas, and the importance of informed consent. The conversation also touches on the influence of social media on birth choices and the emotional impact of these decisions on parents. Ultimately, the speakers advocate for informed decision-making in the context of childbirth.
Contact Leonora ColenWebsite: www.HomeBirthHoney.comIG: @‌Homebirthhoneyatx
Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. 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.
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com
Other ways to connect:
http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comhttp://www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Beyond the 6-Week Mark: Why Postpartum Can Last Years

Laura Sandoval-Sweeney is back as a guest to discuss the postpartum period after birth. In today’s fast-paced world, the postpartum period is often misunderstood and underestimated. Many believe that six weeks is sufficient for recovery, but the truth is far more complex. In this episode, Ciarra dives into a compelling discussion with Laura Sandoval Sweeney, a mental health therapist, to explore the realities of postpartum experiences that can extend well beyond that six-week milestone.
Laura (pronounced Loud-ah) Sandoval-Sweeney is a mental health therapist and owner of Laura Sandoval Therapy in Austin, Texas. With over a decade of experience as a therapist, social worker, and educator, Laura now specializes in supporting high-achieving, anxious moms—particularly those navigating postpartum, trauma, and burnout. Known for her warm, no-BS approach, she helps moms feel more grounded, present, and connected in their everyday lives. Outside of the therapy room, she’s raising a fierce, sensitive toddler and sharing candid, relatable content on motherhood and mental health at @‌laurasandovaltherapy on Instagram.
Website: www.laura-sandoval-therapy.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurasandovaltherapy/
Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. 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.
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com
Other ways to connect:
http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comhttp://www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Understanding Lactation Support Options

In this conversation, Amy Volk, a registered nurse and lactation consultant, discusses the various types of lactation providers, their qualifications, and the importance of seeking support both prenatally and postnatally. She emphasizes the need for parents to recognize signs that may indicate the need for lactation support and the role of insurance in accessing these services. The discussion also highlights the importance of co-care among different healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive support for breastfeeding families.
Amie Volk, MSN, RN, IBCLC (she/her/hers) is a registered nurse with six years of pediatric and newborn experience. Her first job as a nurse was in labor, delivery, and postpartum. This job is what really piqued her interest in supporting breastfeeding and chest feeding families. She has worked at a pediatric clinic for the past three years where she has particularly enjoyed helping new families transition into their role as parents. Amie completed her lactation specific education and clinical hours through University of California at San Diego’s Pathway 2 Program.
She is passionate about educating and empowering parents in their feeding journey and is interested in seeking further education and experience in perinatal mental health, bottle refusal, and exclusive pumping. Amie strives to provide inclusive, empathetic, and evidence-based care to all families, no matter what their feeding journey looks like.
Amie is available for home visits in Central and North Austin, office visits in North and South Austin, and virtual visits worldwide.
https://www.itsmorethanmilk.com/
Instagram: instagram.com/amievolk.lactation
Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. 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.
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com
Other ways to connect:
http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comhttp://www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Birth Stories: A Nurse Who Opted Out of Hospital Birth

In this conversation, Kaitlyn Scott, a labor and delivery nurse and birth photographer, shares her unique experiences of pregnancy, labor, and the transition to becoming a labor and delivery nurse. She discusses her personal journey of having two babies outside of the hospital, the importance of having a doula, and the empowering experience of home birth. Caitlin also reflects on her career shift to labor and delivery nursing and the significance of supporting mothers during childbirth.
Kaitlyn Scott is a dedicated labor and delivery nurse and seasoned ER nurse whose career sits at the heart of life's most transformative moments. With a unique blend of clinical expertise and deep compassion, she supports families through both the expected and unexpected. Beyond the hospital setting, she is also a birth and family photographer, capturing powerful and intimate stories about birth and families. Her perspective behind the camera is shaped not only by her nursing experience, but by her own journeys - having two out-of-hospital births. With a rare combination of professional insight, lived experience, and artistic vision, she brings a grounded and empathetic view on birth. 
Website: https://www.kaitlynscottphotography.com/Instagram: www.instagram.com/kaitlynscott_photographySpecial Offer: If you book birth photography with her, she will throw in a FREE maternity shoot or newborn shoot!
Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. 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.
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com
Other ways to connect:
http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comhttp://www.BirthBabyAcademy.com
 

Practical Tips for Baby Proofing Your Home

Moriel Levy joins Ciarra Morgan discusses the importance of baby proofing homes to ensure child safety. She emphasizes that baby proofing is not just about installing safety devices but also about understanding the unique hazards that come with having a mobile child. The discussion covers when to start baby proofing, common hazards that parents often overlook, and the benefits of hiring professionals versus DIY solutions. Moriel also provides insights on how to approach baby proofing in homes where children visit occasionally, such as grandparents' houses.
Moriel Levy is the owner of Juniper Babyproofing, an Austin-based company helping families make their homes safer for little ones. She is a chemical engineer and a mom of a two-year-old. She brings both personal experience and childproofing knowledge to relate to her clients and help them find the right safety solutions for their homes.
Use code BIRTHBABY for 50% off your in-home child safety evaluation (Austin TX area) - book at http://www.juniperbabyproofing.com/evaluation
https://www.juniperbabyproofing.com/
Instagram: @‌juniperbabyproofing
 
Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. 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.
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com Website: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com
Other ways to connect: http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com http://www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

The Joy of Seeing Your Baby: Elective Ultrasounds Explained

MJ Saunders, owner of See My Baby Live, is back to discuss the various types of elective ultrasounds available to expectant parents. This conversation focuses on the importance of these procedures for emotional connection and reassurance during pregnancy. The discussion covers the timing of ultrasounds, the technology used, and the significance of choosing a qualified provider to ensure safety and accuracy. MJ also highlights the emotional aspects of pregnancy and how elective ultrasounds can help alleviate anxiety for parents-to-be.
With over 15 years of experience as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), MJ Saunders has dedicated her career to providing compassionate and high-quality ultrasound imaging. Her journey into sonography was fueled by a lifelong passion for the medical field and a deep desire to connect with families during one of the most exciting times of their lives.
Use PODCAST at check out and get 25% off any package!
Website: https://seemybaby.live/Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/seemybaby.ultrasoundaustin
 
Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. 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.
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com
Other ways to connect:
http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comhttp://www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Building Your Village: The Role of Au Pairs in Early Parenthood

Carolina Ochoa, a childcare coordinator with Cultural Care Au Pair joins Ciarra Morgan to talk about how Au Pairs help families and what the process looks like. The conversation delves into the qualifications, responsibilities and experiences of au pairs and their hosts, emphasizing the added benefit of the exposure to different cultures.
Carolina Ochoa is Local childcare Coordinator with Cultural Care Au Pair, serving families in Austin, Texas and beyond. With more than eight years of experience in the au pair world, Carolina has guided countless families through the program while building strong, supportive communities for both host parents and au pairs. She is a recipient of the Cultural Care Excellence Award and holds a degree in Social Communication, bringing a strong foundation in communication and human connection. Originally from Brazil, Carolina previously worked in HR in the tech industry before moving to the U.S. She’s passionate about cultural exchange, global family building, and empowering young people to experience the world through international exchange.
Contact:carolina.ochoa@lcc.culturalcare.com209-640-3436http://culturalcare.com/lcc/cochoa/
Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. 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.
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com
Other ways to connect:
http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comhttp://www.BirthBabyAcademy.com