Birth, Baby! | Guidance for Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum, and Parenting
Welcome to Birth, Baby!, your go-to podcast hosted by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly, seasoned birth doulas and childbirth educators from Austin, Texas. Join us as we navigate the intricate journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, offering invaluable insights and expert advice. Through candid interviews, personal anecdotes, and evidence-backed content, we aim to empower families with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Whether you’re seeking guidance on prenatal care, birth planning, or navigating the early days with your newborn, we’ve got you covered. Tune in to Birth, Baby! and embark on your parenthood journey with confidence.
Episodes

Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Allie Goodwin, a chiropractor and acupuncturist, discusses the intricacies of cranial chiropractic care, emphasizing its importance in pediatric health. She explains how cranial adjustments can significantly impact nervous system function, particularly in infants, and the role of fascia in overall health. The discussion also covers the effects of birth trauma, the significance of early intervention, and the connections between tongue and lip ties and cranial health. Dr. Goodwin highlights the need for more awareness and education around these practices to improve outcomes for children and adults alike.
Dr. Allie Goodwin, D.C., Dipl.Ac., is a chiropractor and an acupuncturist practicing in Austin, Texas. She received a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2002. Dr. Allie is a 2006 graduate of Parker College of Chiropractic and received her Diplomate of Chiropractic Acupuncture from the American Academy of Chiropractic Acupuncture that same year. She received her Board Certification in Chiropractic Acupuncture in 2010 from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Dr. Allie takes joy in caring for all people in all stages of their lives with a preventative approach to healthcare, however, she specializes in pregnancy care and children.
Lotus Chiropractic and Acupuncture Website: Lotus Chiropractic & AcupunctureSocial Media Handles: @Lotus_atx
Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us 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 review our podcast, Birth, Baby!
Instagram: @BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: BirthBabyPodcast.com
Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha welcome their guest Lisa Wolfe-Schacter, a craniosacral therapist, to explore the intricacies of craniosacral therapy (CST). Lisa explains that CST is a light touch manual therapy that works with the body's systems to promote healing and emotional release. The discussion covers the applications of CST, its benefits for various conditions, and its role in collaborative care with other therapies. Lisa also addresses common misconceptions about CST, its insurance coverage, and shares a compelling case study demonstrating its effectiveness in infants. The conversation aims to educate listeners about the potential of craniosacral therapy in holistic health.
Lisa Wolfe-Schacter
Website: www.bluescillacst.comIG: @bluescillacraniosacral
Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us 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 review our podcast, Birth, Baby!
Instagram: @BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com
Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
In this Birth Stories episode, Ciarra and Samantha chat with Carley Pearson about her fertility and birth experience. She shares her struggles with infertility due to previously undiagnosed PCOS as well as experiencing the joys and challenges of pregnancy and childbirth. As a doula, she reflects on her unique perspective and the emotional rollercoaster of preparing for and experiencing labor. The conversation highlights the importance of advocacy in healthcare, the significance of partner support, and the transformative nature of the birth experience. She discusses the emotional complexities of labor, the physical challenges of postpartum recovery, and the joys and struggles of navigating life with a newborn.
Carley Pearson is a DONA certified labor doula and lifestyle photographer who specializes in maternity, birth, and newborn photography. She grew up a total river rat in New Braunfels, Texas and moved to Austin in 2008 to attend the University of Texas and hasn't left since! Friends describe her as warm, bubbly, and rock solid. She takes her role as a doula very seriously and feels it is the greatest honor being invited into someone's birth space.
Website: www.carleyephotography.comSocial Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carleyephotography/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carleyephotography/
Offer: Mention this podcast in your inquiry and get 20% off your next full photography session!
Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us 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 review our podcast, Birth, Baby!
Instagram: @BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: https://birthbabypodcast.transistor.fm/
Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Friday Jan 17, 2025
Friday Jan 17, 2025
In this conversation, Ciarra and Samantha discuss the often-overlooked aspect of postpartum preparation, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries with visitors. They highlight the emotional and physical challenges new parents face and the need for rest and recovery. The conversation also explores creative ways for family and friends to support new parents from a distance, while acknowledging the complex emotional dynamics that can arise during this period.
Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us 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 review our podcast, Birth, Baby!
Instagram: @BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: BirthBabyPodcast.com
Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Ciarra and Samantha have special guest midwife Leonora Colen back discuss the complexities of high-risk pregnancies. What an OB/GYN considers high risk can be completely different than high risk in the midwifery setting. Leonora emphasizes the importance of risk assessment over the label of 'high risk.' Together they explore common reasons for risk assessment, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, and highlight factors that are often misunderstood as high risk. The discussion also underscores the significance of childbirth education and the need for trust between expectant parents and their healthcare providers. Ultimately, the conversation aims to empower parents to make informed choices during pregnancy and childbirth.
Website: www.HomeBirthHoney.com IG: @HomeBirthHoneyATX
Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us 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 review our podcast, Birth, Baby!
Instagram: @BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: BirthBabyPodcast.com
Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
In this episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast, host Ciarra Morgan discusses the challenges of postpartum relationships with guest Shelley Scotka, a certified childbirth educator and postpartum doula. They explore the 'Bringing Baby Home' program developed by the Gottmans, which focuses on improving couple relationships during the transition to parenthood. The conversation highlights the importance of communication, conflict resolution, and the need for couples to prioritize their relationship amidst the challenges of parenting. Shelley shares insights on the structure of her workshops and the benefits of evidence-based practices in supporting families during this critical time.Shelley Scotka is a certified Gottman Bringing Baby Home Instructor, a certified Childbirth Educator and a certified birth and postpartum doula. She has been supporting families since 1998 through prenatal education, labor and birth support and postpartum care, and is so excited to be adding the Love Strong After Baby workshops to her offerings. She recognizes bringing a baby home can be one of life's most amazing and challenging journeys and is dedicated to helping families navigate this bumpy territory! She has been married for over 35 years and has grown "babies" of her own (ages 28/31)Instagram @ShelleyScotka Website: www.shelleyscotka.com (Info about these workshops is under parent education)Workshop inquiry email lovestrongafterbaby@gmail.comPlease feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us 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 review our podcast, Birth, Baby!Instagram: @BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!
(00:00) - Introduction and Overview of the Podcast
(02:31) - Introducing Shelley Scotka and Her Expertise
(03:00) - Understanding the 'Bringing Baby Home' Program
(06:36) - Challenges of Postpartum Relationships
(10:44) - Navigating Perpetual Conflicts in Relationships
(14:58) - The Importance of Communication in Parenting
(17:39) - Adapting the Program for Postpartum Couples
(22:54) - Workshop Structure and Goals
(26:51) - Options for Remote Learning and Support
(28:39) - Conclusion and Future Workshops

Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
In this episode we’re joined by Dr. Whitaker, a direct care pediatrician in Austin, Texas at the practice Blue Monarch Pediatrics! He’s here to talk to us all about fevers in newborns. What constitutes a fever in a newborn? At what age is it less dangerous for a baby to have a fever? What can a parent do for a newborn with a fever and is it always necessary to go to the emergency room? Dr. Whitaker answers the questions so many new parents have. Dr. Whitaker is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He completed his Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Rice University, Medical Degree at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center. He has over 20 years of experience in a variety of settings including newborn hospital, emergency and urgent care facilities, outpatient clinic for children with complex health needs and mental health difficulties.http://bluemonarchpediatrics.comPlease feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us 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 review our podcast, Birth, Baby!Instagram: @BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
On this episode of Birth, Baby! we have midwife Leonora Colen on with us to talk about out of hospital birth. We will discuss birth center and home birth options and the safety of them as well as what the care with midwives looks like in these settings. Leonora has been a birth center and home birth midwife, so we’re excited for her to share this information with us!Leonora is a midwife, mom, and a human who believes that birthing people should have autonomy in their birthing experience. She grew up splitting time between the foothills of Northern California and the Bay Area, took a gap year, and studied abroad for a year in Ecuador. She got a BA in Filmmaking at Bard College in upstate New York and took another year studying abroad in Spain. After graduating she moved to Austin, Texas and began a midwifery apprenticeship in a thriving home birth practice and, after graduating from the Association for Texas Midwifery program, she started working at Austin Area Birthing Center where she worked for 10 years.She is licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). 12,000 prenatal and postpartum visits and over 500 deliveries later Leonora felt called to return to her home birth roots and do everything possible to keep birth safe and normal especially in the midst of a global pandemic.Home Birth Honeyhttps://www.homebirthhoney.com/http://www.facebook.com/homebirthhoneyatx/https://www.instagram.com/HOMEBIRTHHONEYATX/Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us 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 review our podcast, Birth, Baby!Instagram: @BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Friday Dec 20, 2024
Friday Dec 20, 2024
Sometimes people want to try to get labor moving with more natural labor induction techniques before they get to the point of being faced with a medical induction. Due dates are given more weight with some providers than with others. In an attempt to avoid Pitocin, Foley Balloons, Cervidil, Cytotec, or any of the other medical induction techniques, some people opt for teas, herbs, and more. In this episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast, hosts Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly, along with their returning guest midwife Leonora Colon, delve into the intricacies of labor promoters and the importance of understanding due dates in pregnancy. They discuss the significance of due dates, the protocols midwives follow regarding labor timing, and various natural methods to encourage labor. The conversation emphasizes the need for autonomy in the birthing process and the importance of supportive care, whether at home or in a hospital setting. Website: www.HomeBirthHoney.com Instagram: @homebirthhoneyatx Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us 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 review our podcast, Birth, Baby! Instagram: @BirthBabyPodcast Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com Website: BirthBabyPodcast.com Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!
(00:00) - Introduction and Disclaimer
(01:02) - Understanding Due Dates in Pregnancy
(09:02) - Navigating Labor Timing and Midwife Protocols
(12:57) - Labor Promoters: What Works and What Doesn't
(20:05) - Natural Methods to Encourage Labor
(31:54) - Final Thoughts on Labor and Support Options

Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
In this episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast, hosts Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly welcome their past doula client, Danielle Sanchez, to share her unique journey of having a Vaginal Birth After 2 Cesareans (VBA2C). Danielle discusses the challenges she faced, including gestational diabetes and pressure from healthcare providers. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, advocacy, and finding the right support team. The conversation covers her first two labors and births as well as the emotional rollercoaster her final of labor, and the joy of postpartum recovery. Danielle offers valuable advice for others considering a VBAC, highlighting the power of self-belief and community support.Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us 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 review our podcast, Birth, Baby!Instagram: @BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!
(00:00) - Introduction and Disclaimer
(01:12) - Danielle's Unique Birth Story
(04:39) - Preparing for a VBAC
(07:59) - Navigating Healthcare Providers
(11:08) - Induction Decisions and Experiences
(14:23) - The Induction Process
(19:10) - Pushing and Delivery Experience
(21:06) - Postpartum Experience and Recovery
(29:10) - Reflections on the Journey
(32:54) - Advice for Future VBAC Candidates