Join Vanessa as she drops in during a Summer Break to share what she's been up to. See her present a Birth Planning seminar at Babies & Bumps in Columbus, OH on Sunday, June 8th! She'll also have a table throughout the day giving away prizes, including opportunities to win 50% off her Metamorphosis online self-paced Metamorphosis course! Also announcing Becoming, a one-day local in-person pregnancy retreat for second-and-third-trimester Mothers and Birthers. 00:00 Welcome to the Bre...

In this episode of the Breath & Birth Co podcast, Vanessa shares her personal pregnancy and birth story in detail. Joined by HypnoBirthing® teacher and Birth Doula, Aly Romot, they reflect on Vanessa's labor experience, including her unique challenges and the importance of informed consent. They also touch on key recommendations for navigating pregnancy and birth with confidence and empowerment. Throughout the episode, they reveal the significance of choosing the right care provider and b...

In today’s guided meditation, we invite you to connect to the natural rhythm of labor through the soothing rise and fall of ocean waves. This practice is all about trusting your body, surrendering to each wave, and flowing through birth with confidence and calm. What to Expect in This Meditation This meditation takes you on an imaginative ride along the ocean’s currents—mirroring the waves of labor. Through deep breathing, visualization, and affirmations, you’ll practice surrendering to the n...

In this heartfelt episode of the Breath and Birth Co Podcast, Vanessa—hospital-based DONA-certified birth doula and childbirth educator—opens up about her deeply personal journey to motherhood. From navigating chronic endometriosis and infertility to finding calm through HypnoBirthing® amidst severe hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), Vanessa shares how it all unfolded. She’s joined by special guest Aly Romot, a Certified Birth Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, Body Ready Method® Pro, and Birth ...

In this gentle guided meditation, you’ll be invited to connect with your breath, your body, and your baby through the practice of the Golden Thread Breath—a calming tool to help soften and surrender as you prepare for birth. Whether you’re seeking stillness in the midst of a busy day or intentionally carving out time to prepare your mind and body for labor, this 5–10 minute practice offers a moment of grounding, release, and trust. What to Expect in This Meditation: 🌀 Grounding breathwo...

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa, a Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator, speaks with Alyssa Broadwater, a Registered Dietitian specializing in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum nutrition. Alyssa shares her personal journey into this field, important nutritional aspects for both men and women in preparing for conception, and practical dietary recommendations. Topics include the significance of a good prenatal vitamin, managing conditions like endom...

This calming body scan meditation is designed to help you rest deeply, release tension, and connect with your baby. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply need a quiet moment, this practice invites you to slow down and surrender to your body’s innate wisdom during pregnancy. Together, we’ll gently scan each part of your body—from head to toe—sending gratitude, breath, and trust. You’ll leave this meditation feeling grounded, supported, and connected to the sacred work your body is doing...

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co Podcast, host Vanessa, a hospital-based DONA-certified birth doula, is joined by Daisy Vance, an experienced Birth Doula and Certified Breastfeeding Counselor from Westerville, Ohio. They explore crucial topics such as the importance of selecting a supportive care provider, the value of prenatal and postpartum support services, and practical tips for making the most of prenatal appointments. Daisy shares her journey into birth work, emphasizing the s...

In this episode of The Breath and Birth Co Podcast, hospital-based DONA-International Certified Birth Doula Vanessa leads listeners through a calming guided meditation. Tailored for expectant mothers, this meditation focuses on surrendering to the birthing process and trusting your body's natural wisdom. Vanessa provides step-by-step instructions to help you relax, release tension, and build confidence in your body's ability to birth. Tune in to feel supported, informed, and empowered on your...

In this episode of the Breath and Birth co podcast, Vanessa, a hospital-based, DONA-certified birth doula, and childbirth educator, delves into the topic of endometriosis. She answers common questions about the signs, symptoms, and diagnosis of the disease, and discusses various treatment options, including excision surgery. She also discusses how endometriosis affects pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. Vanessa shares insights from her own 15-year journey to diagnosis and encourages...

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co podcast, Vanessa, a Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator, guides listeners through a calming color meditation. This meditation is designed to bring peace, connection, and energy to expectant mothers by visualizing a chosen color. The episode begins with breathing exercises, then leads into the meditation where the color evolves through different imagery and interacts with the body. Why Color Visualization Can Support Your Pregnancy Col...

In this World Doula Week 2025 episode of the Breath and Birth co podcast, Vanessa welcomes Kelli Blinn, an experienced birth doula and childbirth educator from Columbus, Ohio. Kelli shares her journey into birth work, inspired by her childhood fascination with the pregnant body and childbirth. They discuss the differences between home births and hospital births, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, education, and personalized care in the childbirth process. Kelli highlights the significanc...

In this episode of the Breath and Birth co podcast, Vanessa, a certified birth doula and childbirth educator, guides listeners through a calming meditation inspired by her recent completion of an 85-hour prenatal yoga teacher training. Vanessa shares the details of her new pregnancy retreat called 'Becoming,' aimed at fostering calm, confidence, and connection for expectant mothers. The episode includes a soothing visualization of a butterfly's metamorphosis, encouraging listeners to embrace ...

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa connects with Missy Gallow, a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist and Co-Owner of Misama Physical Therapy in Clintonville, OH. Missy shares her deeply personal and transformative birth stories, including her experiences with a twin birth via elective C-section and her subsequent plans for a home birth after C-section (HBAC). The discussion traverses her struggles with infertility, the intricate decision-making process around birth ...

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, hospital-based birth doula and childbirth educator Vanessa leads a guided meditation designed for expectant mothers. Listeners are invited to imagine a mindful walk through a vibrant field of wildflowers, connecting with the serene energy of nature and the life growing within them. The meditation focuses on engaging all senses to foster relaxation and mindfulness, helping mothers and birthers to nurture a deep connection with their baby.&nb...

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa introduces Caroline Pitts of Peaceful Doula Care. They discuss Caroline's journey to becoming a doula, the philosophies of Lamaze, and practical advice for expecting mothers. They also address common misconceptions and the importance of postpartum preparation. Listeners are encouraged to engage with childbirth education to feel empowered and supported throughout their pregnancy and birth experiences. 00:00 Introduction to the Breath...

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa – a certified birth doula and childbirth educator – guides expectant mothers through a serene, nature-inspired meditation designed to foster a deep connection with their growing baby. Listeners are invited to engage all their senses on a mindful journey through a peaceful woodland trail, embracing the calming sounds, scents, and sights of nature. This episode aims to provide a sense of peace, wellbeing, and connection, encourag...

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa welcomes Megan Houle, a seasoned Registered Nurse, IBCLC, and Craniosacral Therapist from Little Dove, LLC. With 15 years of nursing experience and a decade as a lactation consultant, Megan shares her journey and insights into breastfeeding, including the importance of education and support systems. They discuss common misconceptions, advocate for prenatal breastfeeding consultations, and explore the impact of craniosacral ther...

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa, a Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator, addresses key questions about labor and birth. Vanessa explores essential topics including informed consent, the importance of cervical checks, and what constitutes a Bishop score. She explains your rights throughout the birthing process, stressing the significance of bodily autonomy and informed decision-making. Additionally, Vanessa provides insights into the three crucial measurem...

In this episode of The Breath & Birth Co. Podcast, we invite you to unwind with a gentle guided sleep meditation designed specifically for pregnancy. 🌙✨ As an expectant mother/birther, your body is constantly changing, and finding deep rest can sometimes feel out of reach. This meditation will help you: 💛 Release tension from head to toe 💛 Connect with your breath to calm your nervous system 💛 Create a peaceful space for both you and your baby 💛 Drift into deep, restful sleep Find a comfo...