Danielle Hall, LMHC, PMH-C, is a licensed mental health counselor, postpartum doula, and founder of The Village Holistic Wellness. In this heartfelt episode, she shares her personal and professional journey, the importance of community in the healing process, and how her integrative approach is transforming how we support mothers and families.
We explore topics like perinatal mental health, the power of connection, and what to do when you feel like you're just barely hanging on.
Learn more about Danielle and her offerings at https://www.thevillagewny.com/
When Hanna ’s son struggled with persistent eczema, she felt helpless. Every product she tried was packed with ingredients she couldn’t pronounce—and none of them worked. That’s when she discovered the power of tallow.
In this episode, Hanna shares the deeply personal journey behind Earthly Tallow, the family-run skincare brand she started in her kitchen. We dive into the science and tradition of tallow, why it’s so nourishing for babies and adults alike, and how one mama’s frustration became a mission to help other families find safe, truly natural skincare.
This is a story about trusting your gut, going back to nature, and creating something beautiful from love and intention. You’ll walk away inspired—and maybe ready to swap out your lotion, too.
In this episode of Buffalo Birth Talk, Dr. Ashley sits down with Emma from The Luna Doula Co — a Postpartum Doula, IBCLC, and host of The Boobology Podcast — to explore the real-life journey of breastfeeding support.
Together, they unpack:
Common breastfeeding challenges parents face
How to truly understand milk supply and a baby’s needs
The myths and facts that often confuse new parents
The gap between breastfeeding expectations vs. reality
Where to find trustworthy support and resources
Whether you're a new parent, birth worker, or just curious about lactation, this conversation is full of honest insight, evidence-based information, and heartfelt encouragement. Emma’s passion for supporting families shines through every minute.
👉 Learn more about Emma at https://lunadoulaco.com/
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/emmdip0/episodes/5--It-Takes-Two-to-Tango--Breastfeeding-101-e32j8gg
🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe + leave a review!
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Brittany Rathman, LMHC, PMH-C, a licensed mental health counselor with over a decade of experience supporting women through the emotional highs and lows of pregnancy and postpartum. We talk about perinatal anxiety, birth trauma, infertility, NICU stays, and the often-unspoken challenges of becoming a parent. Brittany not only brings her clinical expertise, but also shares her own story of navigating traumatic birth experiences and life with two preemies.
Whether you're a new mom, a birth professional, or someone who wants to better understand mental health during the perinatal period, this conversation offers both compassion and practical insight.
Connect with Brittany Rathman:
https://brittany-rathman.clientsecure.me/
https://www.facebook.com/brittanyrathmanlmhc
https://www.instagram.com/harvestmhc/
🎧 Listen, share, and tag us if this episode speaks to you!
In this episode of Buffalo Birth Talk, we're joined by Heather, a Licensed Massage Therapist with over 24 years of experience supporting women through every stage—from fertility and pregnancy to postpartum and menopause. Heather shares how she blends her hands-on massage skills with energy work, spiritual coaching, and holistic care to help women heal on every level: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.
We also dive into her work as a Reiki Master and Meditation Facilitator. Whether you're trying to conceive, preparing for birth, or navigating life after baby, this conversation offers practical wisdom, calming reassurance, and inspiring insight into whole-woman wellness.
In this episode, we’re joined by Ashley, a birth and postpartum doula recently trained with Calming Nature Doula. With a deep passion for supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum transition, Ashley offers compassionate, evidence-based care to help parents feel empowered and confident in their unique journeys.
Currently balancing doula work alongside another career, Ashley shares how she’s preparing to make the exciting transition to full-time birth work starting this May.
Tune in to hear her story, her “why” behind becoming a doula, and the beautiful vision she holds for the families she serves.
New Episode: Demystifying HypnoBirthing with Alex Trimble ✨🧘♀️
This week on Buffalo Birth Talk, I’m joined by the incredible Alex Trimble—Certified HypnoBirthing Educator, Birth Doula, and co-owner of @lighthousebirthandyoga. 🌿
We dive deep into:🌀 What HypnoBirthing really is (and isn’t!)🧠 How mindset and preparation can shift your entire birth experience💛 Why language, breath, and trust are powerful tools in labor
Whether you're pregnant or supporting someone who is, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and informed.
instagram.com/thelighthousebirth
facebook.com/thelighthousebirth
This week on Buffalo Birth Talk, I’m joined by Elaina Caven, founder of Flower City Nannies! 🌸👶🏼 Elaina has over 15 years of experience in private service and is passionate about connecting families with top-tier nannies and household staff across Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and the Finger Lakes.
We dive into:
✨ What to look for in a nanny
✨ The importance of industry standards for domestic employees
✨ How Flower City Nannies is raising the bar for childcare & household support
If you're a parent searching for the right fit or just curious about the nanny hiring process, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧💡
https://www.instagram.com/flowercitynannies
In this special episode of Buffalo Birth Talk, I welcome our first male guest, Brian Costello, LCSW, CASAC.
With over 13 years of experience as a therapist specializing in EMDR, Brian brings deep insight into the emotional journey of fatherhood.
We explore the challenges men face in navigating pregnancy, birth, and parenthood, the impact of unresolved trauma, and the importance of creating safe spaces for men to process their emotions.
Whether you're a parent, birth worker, or simply curious about the evolving role of fathers in today’s world, this conversation sheds light on a crucial but often overlooked perspective.
This week on Buffalo Birth Talk, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Jessica Glose—birth & postpartum doula, yoga teacher, and founder of Beyond Birth Wellness. 🌿✨
Jessica is redefining postpartum wellness, blending evidence-based education with ancient healing practices to help families thrive—not just survive—during birth and beyond. In this episode, we dive into:
🌿 The importance of nervous system regulation in postpartum recovery
🧘♀️ How breathwork & movement support healing and balance
🤱 Shifting cultural narratives around postpartum care & the “village”
💫 Practical ways to nourish your mind & body in the fourth trimester
If you’re a new or expecting parent, this episode is full of wisdom and gentle reminders to slow down, rest, and receive the support you deserve. 💛
https://beyondbirthwellness.com/
Beyond Baby Blues: Recognizing and Managing Postpartum Mood Disorders
Postpartum is a time of profound change, but how do you know when your emotions are part of the normal adjustment—or when they signal something more? In this episode of Buffalo Birth Talk, I sit down with Colleen Young, an experienced doula and postpartum doula, to explore Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs).
We discuss:
✔️ The difference between “baby blues” and a postpartum disorder
✔️ Signs and symptoms of PMADs
✔️ How postpartum mood disorders present differently
✔️ Resources and support options for new parents
No one should have to navigate postpartum struggles alone. This conversation sheds light on an often-overlooked topic and provides guidance for those seeking support. 💛
🎧 Listen now and share with a friend who might need this!
Resources:
https://www.wnypostpartum.com/
Join me for a conversation with Elizabeth, a 30-year-old Nutritional Therapy Practitioner specializing in unexplained infertility and PCOS. Inspired by her own fertility journey, she’s passionate about helping women uncover root causes, restore balance, and support their body’s natural ability to heal. With a holistic approach that challenges conventional Western medicine, Elizabeth empowers women with the education they deserve to nourish their bodies and enhance their fertility—naturally.
Elizabeth can be found on instagram atinstagram.com/primalrootsfertility
Mamas, let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention—your pelvic floor!
This week, I’m joined by Racquel Kurzweg, DPT, founder of Adore Your Core Physical Therapy in Buffalo. Racquel is on a mission to help women feel strong, supported, and informed through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and beyond.
We dive into:
If you’re expecting, recovering, or just curious about how to better support your body, this episode is a must-listen!
Racquel can be found on Instagram: instagram.com/adoreyourcorept
Meet Anna Gavlock, a Center for Babywearing Studies Certified Educator, mother of two, and Speech Language Pathologist! She’s passionate about helping parents find the best babywearing options, from the newborn stage to toddlerhood and beyond.
Anna’s babywearing journey began with her first child, and after realizing there was a gap in local resources, she decided to get certified and now runs a rental program with over 50 carriers!
On this episode, we dive into:
How to choose the perfect carrier for your needs
The benefits of babywearing for both parents and babies
Anna’s tips for comfort and confidence in every carry
And so much more!
Whether you're new to babywearing or a seasoned pro, Anna’s expert advice will empower you on your parenting journey.
Anna can be found on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buffalobundles
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/747550000658945
Email:
Dr. Kathleen and her team at Buffalo Pelvic Health & Acupuncture Clinic, utilize the Shockwave Machine- from Softwave TRT. BPHAC is one of the only clinics in Western New York offering this cutting-edge technology. Shockwave Therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving areas where major connective tissue attaches to bone. It can be an excellent addition to orthopedic physical therapy and pelvic physical therapy to provide relief. Dr. Kathleen uses it in the clinic every day to get fast acting results, treating everything from pelvic floor dysfunction & pain, muscle & joint injuries, erectile dysfunction, frozen shoulders, arthritis/bursitis, chronic yeast infection/UTI, and MORE. Treatment is fast and pain-free, and often times combined with therapy.
If you're looking for more information, Dr. Kathleen Ross can be contacted at 716-325-0427, email info@bphac.com or Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/buffalo.phac
Dr. Hallie is a native Buffalonian and a nationally certified and state licensed doctor of acupuncture and East Asian medicine. Valedictorian of her graduating class at Pacific College of Health and Science in New York City, she spent five years of academic concentration in both eastern and western medicine. She is certified from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in oncology acupuncture. Additionally, she has studied acupuncture for stroke recovery with the renowned Claudia Citkovitz, Phd, L.Ac., orthopedic acupuncture techniques with Whitfield Reaves, OMD, L.Ac., and obtained her certification in facial acupuncture rejuvenation from Pacific College of Health and Science NYC.
Dr. O'Gorman is a certified member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe based in the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota. She began Community First Acupuncture and Wellness Inc., a non-profit organization, to be able to give back to Native American populations and to provide the medicine to people of all financial backgrounds. She believes that East Asian medicine, whether used alone or in conjunction with other modalities, is highly effective at addressing root causes of diseases. This treatment method allows for significant and long lasting results that have been the signature of the medicine for thousands of years. Dr. Ashley & Dr. Hallie discuss pediatric acupuncture and treating children of all ages, acupunctures role in pregnancy and postpartum as well as common pediatric issues.
Dr. Hallie can be found at https://bphac.com/
Emily is a Postpartum Doula, Matrescence Activist, Motherhood Coach, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurse and founder of Love Grow Release - helping women through their transition into motherhood.
Emily is a ICF certified coach having graduated from the accredited Mama Rising program. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and Masters of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner. She is CPR certified and has training in lactation, matrescence and postpartum depletion. She continues to study the changes that occur in motherhood. Prior to starting a family she worked for over a decade in multiple healthcare settings as a RN then a board certified Nurse Practitioner.
After having her first child she was shaken to her core, she could not understand why she felt so lost and alone. She knew in the first week postpartum she wanted to do something to help mamas through this massive shift. She discovered matrescence and she began her journey towards healing. Having lived through a very challenging first three years of motherhood, she understands what it is like to be in the deep of it. Love Grow Release was formed to help moms know they are not alone in their motherhood journey.
When not helping other mamas, she enjoys savoring her coffee, gardening, being in nature, and playing with her little.
In addition to working with her clients, Emily teaches online, facilitates mama circles and mother blessing ceremonies.
In this episode, Dr. Ashley and Emily discuss matressence, the role of community in motherhood, mama connection circles, motherhood blessing ceremonies and online education and resources for moms.
Emily can be found on instagram https://www.instagram.com/lovegrowrelease/
or on her website at:
https://www.lovegrowrelease.com/
Dr. Ashley began her career in physical therapy in 2019. Shortly after graduation, she took an interest in pelvic health and from there it took off.
Dr. Ashley is particularly passionate about reproductive health, as well as pregnancy, postpartum care, and pelvic pain. Her personal experiences with reproductive health have fueled her commitment to exploring how physical therapy, and more recently become certified in Mercier Therapy under Dr. Jennifer Mercier herself.
She is excited to bring this therapy to the area and spread the word about it!
Dr. Alana is a WNY native and boy mom of 2. She graduated from D’Youville college with her doctor of chiropractic degree in 2013 and received her Webster certification in 2016. She has been specializing in prenatal, postpartum and pediatric chiropractic work ever since.
It was Dr. Alana’s own journey into motherhood that made her want to specialize in this type of work. She is passionate about helping families not just survive, but thrive in this transformative period of life.
In this episode, Dr. Ashley & Dr. Alana discuss Dr. Alana's journey into chiropractic, the difference between regular chiropractic care vs Webster's certified chiropractic care, Dr. Alanas VBAC story and empowerment through knowledge in birth. Dr. Alana can be found at the Cary house on Franklin st or through her social media page
Dr. Meghan earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Nazareth College in 2010. She practiced in acute care and outpatient settings in California and Maryland before returning to New York.
Dr. Meghan specializes in pelvic health physical therapy with a certification in postpartum corrective exercise and training from the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Institute and the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. She can treat numerous conditions, including pelvic girdle and low back pain in pregnancy and postpartum, diastasis recti, pelvic and c-section scar management, coccyx pain, urinary and fecal incontinence, constipation, pelvic pain, and more.
Dr. Meghan is also able to offer pregnant patients labor and c-section preparation education and methods. Other clinical specialties include orthopedic conditions with a particular interest in treating shoulder and knee injuries. She enjoys empowering patients to take control and manage their pain to return to the activities they enjoy.
Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and getting outside whenever the sun is shining! Her hobbies include swimming, resistance training and yoga.
In this episode Dr. Ashley and Dr. Meghan debunk myths surrounding c-section and pelvic floor therapy, the importance of postpartum care, misconception about Kegels, bounce back culture in postpartum recovery and finding support and resources.
Dr. Meghan can be found at MVPT in Amherst across from the Wegmans on Niagara Falls BLVD.
3190 Niagara Falls BLVD
Suite 18
Amherst , NY 14228
or Email
Meghan.Haus@MVPTNY.com