The Village Talks

Dr. Jaimy Voigts & Dr. Brittany Rojo
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

The Village Talks is a space for honest, grounded conversations about the journey into parenthood — from preconception to postpartum and early parenting. Hosted by Dr. Brittany and Dr. Jaimy of Belly Bliss, this podcast bridges clinical knowledge and real-life experience through candid conversations, family stories, and expert interviews. Not about quick fixes, but understanding your body, your options, and feeling supported — because no one is meant to do this alone.

  1. 3d ago

    Pregnancy Carpal Tunnel & Hand Numbness: Causes and Relief

    Welcome to a space where physiology meets lived experience. On this episode of The Village Talks podcast, hosts Dr. Jamie and Dr. Brittany dive deep into a very specific and common issue during pregnancy: carpal tunnel symptoms, hand numbness, tingling, and wrist pain. Many expectant parents are told that hand numbness and swelling are just things they have to live with until birth, but that is simply not true. This episode breaks down the physiological causes behind upper-extremity nerve irritation, red flag symptoms to watch out for, and practical at-home solutions to relieve pressure and restore comfort. Topics Covered in This Episode Red Flags vs Mechanical Issues: Differentiating routine nerve pressure from preeclampsia.Root Causes: How increased blood volume, fluid retention, and relaxin contribute to nerve compression.Tracing the Nerve Chain: Why hand symptoms often stem from tension in the neck, shoulders, or rib cage.Occupational Stressors: How repetitive motion jobs exacerbate hand pain.At-Home Relief Strategies: Proper side-sleeping posture, body pillows, Epsom salt hand soaks, and targeted mobility.Mobility over Passive Stretching: Why dynamic movements like yoga or pilates help pump lymph.When to Seek Professional Care: Why waiting for symptoms to go away on their own rarely works. Key Takeaways for Families Pain is Common, But Not Normal: Numbness or tingling is a sign that a nerve is under stress.Look Above the Wrist: Irritation often originates in the brachial plexus, cervical spine, or tight chest muscles.Fix Your Sleep Posture: Avoid sleeping with curled wrists and collapsed shoulders. Hug a large body pillow.Hydrate with Electrolytes: Proper hydration moves fluid out of tissues and reduces nerve pressure.Address It Early: Seeking early care prevents symptoms from worsening. Connect with Us Website: bellybliss.comBooking Site: bellybliss.janeapp.comYoga Schedule: bellybliss.com/yogaYouTube: @TheVillageTalksPodcastInstagram: @villagetalkspodcastSpotify: The Village Talks Podcast Support the VillageIf you found this episode helpful, please Like, Follow, and Share it with an expectant parent or family member who needs to hear it. Let’s build a stronger, more informed village together!

  2. Jul 28

    The Fourth Trimester Reality: Postpartum Doula Insights ft. Rachel Bulow | The Village Talks

    Welcome to a space where physiology meets lived experience. On this episode of The Village Talks podcast, hosts Brittany Rojo and Dr. Jamie are joined by guest expert Rachel Bulow. Rachel is a postpartum doula, BRM pro, and perinatal yoga instructor who spends her days supporting families through the raw reality of bringing baby home. Most families spend months planning for birth, but very little time preparing for what happens once they arrive home. This conversation breaks down how to set boundaries, why survival is not the goal, and how to set yourself up for genuine healing and connection. Topics Covered in This Episode The Role of a Postpartum Doula. What a postpartum doula actually does, from managing household tasks to offering preemptive guidance.The 5-5-5 Rule for Healing. Breaking down five days in the bed, five days on the bed, and five days around the bed for physical recovery.Navigating Visitors and Expectations. Setting boundaries with family members and prioritizing healing over playing host.The Dyad and Co-Regulation. Understanding why newborns view themselves as part of mom's body and how this impacts infant development.Hormonal Shifts and Emotional Swings. What is biologically normal in the first two weeks versus when to seek extra mental health support.Pre-Conception and Prenatal Planning. How to create a run of house document and set up support systems before birth.Lactation Realities. Why hospital lactation support is just the first step and why setting up in-home care early is critical.Registry Redefinition. Shifting funds away from useless baby gadgets and toward real human support like doulas and meal prep. Key Takeaways for Families Survival is Not the Goal. Postpartum is hard, but you deserve the right support so you are not just flailing through the fourth trimester.Rest Speeds Up Healing. Doing less early on allows your body to heal faster so you can safely do more later in recovery.Preserve the First Two Weeks. Keep the initial period focused on parent-baby co-regulation, resting, and establishing feeding rhythms.Outsource the Stress. Set up an IBCLC, a doula, and meal prep resources before your due date so you are not searching for help during late-night emergencies.Give Yourself Grace. Keep the daily expectations low. If your baby is fed, safe, and cared for, you have succeeded. Connect with Guest Rachel Bulow Instagram: @toula.co Connect with Us Website: bellybliss.comBooking Site: bellybliss.janeapp.comYoga Schedule: bellybliss.com/yogaYouTube: @TheVillageTalksPodcastInstagram: @villagetalkspodcastSpotify: The Village Talks Podcast Support the Village If you found this episode helpful, please Like, Follow, and Share it with an expectant parent or family member who needs to hear it. Let’s build a stronger, more informed village together!

  3. Jul 21

    Is Your Doctor Gaslighting You? Red Flags vs. Green Flags in Healthcare

    Ever walked out of a doctor's appointment feeling entirely invisible, dismissed, or rushed? In this episode of The Village Talks, Dr. Jaimy and Dr. Brittany break down the absolute red flags and green flags you need to watch out for when choosing your healthcare team. We talk about the reality of the managed care complex, why "you're just pregnant" or "it's just your hormones" is an unacceptable answer to your physical pain, and how to spot a provider with an ego problem. This episode is for anyone navigating the overwhelming world of prenatal, postpartum, or pediatric care who wants to reclaim their autonomy. It matters because you are a consumer hiring a service—your provider works for you, and you have every right to shop around until you find a team that actually listens. Main Topics Covered: The Consumer Mindset: Reclaiming your autonomy and realizing that you are hiring a provider, meaning you have the right to shop around for a better fit.Hand on the Door Knob: How to spot the red flags of a rushed provider who treats you like a checklist item instead of a human.The "No Research" Trap: Why a lack of expensive clinical trials in pregnancy doesn't make complementary care "voodoo," and how green-flag providers honor clinical evidence.Realistic Care vs. Patient Guilt: Why being handed 20 impossible exercises isn't helpful, and how green flags adapt care to fit your actual daily life.Medical Jargon & Ego: Spotting the "my way or the highway" providers who refuse to collaborate, pass the buck, or value your personal intuition.Coercion Through Fear: Dismantling the scare tactics used to force compliance versus providers who gracefully outline transparent risk-benefit options. Key Takeaways: You are the expert on your body: A doctor might understand the textbook, but you are the only one living in your skin and watching your baby 24/7.Clinical evidence is completely valid: Because randomized controlled trials are often unethical to run on pregnant women and infants, clinical history and hands-on track records are vital.Ego has no place in healing: A great provider welcomes second opinions and happily collaborates with pelvic floor PTs, acupuncturists, doulas, and specialists.Trust your gut over a white coat: If a medical encounter leaves you feeling deeply unsettled or dismissed, your nervous system is giving you an exit cue. Connect with the Village: If this conversation helped you breathe a little easier today, please follow the show, hit that like button, and share this episode with a fellow parent. It helps us get these answers to the families who need them most! Website: Belly BlissBooking Site: JaneApp BookingYoga Schedule: Yoga ScheduleYouTube: @TheVillageTalksPodcastInstagram: @villagetalkspodcastSpotify: The Village Talks Find us in person at Belly Bliss in Denver for resources, workshops, and support. Until next time, take care of your body and trust its wisdom. If you could change one thing about your last doctor's appointment, would it be the amount of time they actually spent listening to you?

  4. Jul 14

    Reclaiming Your Narrative: Reframing the Language of Pregnancy and Birth

    What if the words your doctor uses are actually stressing out your nervous system? In this episode, Dr. Brittany and Dr. Jaimy pull back the curtain on common medical terms like "failure to progress" and "geriatric pregnancy," explaining why these labels are often more about insurance policies than the reality of your health. This conversation is for every expecting parent who wants to move past the sterile medical model and reclaim the humanity of their birth experience. It matters because language affects physiology—shifting how you speak about your body can physically shift your perception of safety and trauma during birth and recovery. Main Topics Covered: The "Geriatric" Myth: Exploring why the 35-year-old cutoff is often based on insurance games rather than individual physiology. Anatomy is Not "Incompetent": Challenging disempowering terms like "incompetent cervix" and "irritable uterus" that imply inherent weakness. Reframing "Failure": Moving away from "failure to progress" and acknowledging that birth has no standard timeline. The Nervous System Connection: How negative medical labels can trigger a fight-or-flight response during labor. The BRAIN Acronym: Using Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, and Nothing to advocate for yourself. "Surges" and "Waves": Why shifting your vocabulary from "contractions" can change your physical experience of intensity. Respecting the Newborn: Why infants are never "lazy," "fussy," or "manipulative," but are simply communicating survival needs.Key Takeaways: Survival is the Floor: A successful birth should be defined by respect and empowerment, not just a live birth. Neutrality Over Fluff: Sometimes using neutral anatomical terms is more helpful for the nervous system than "toxic positivity" or flowery language. Trust Your Intuition: If a provider's language makes you feel unsafe, it is a valid reason to ask for clarification or a change in care. Language for the Next Generation: Shifting how we talk about reproductive health today prepares our children for more empowered futures.Connect with us: If you found today’s episode helpful, please follow the show, hit the like button, and share it with a fellow parent. It helps us reach the families who need these honest conversations the most! Website: www.bellybliss.com Booking Site: www.bellybliss.janeapp.com Yoga Schedule: www.bellybliss.com/yoga/ Find us in person at Belly Bliss in Denver for resources, workshops, and support. Until next time, take care of your body and trust its wisdom. If you could banish one medical "label" from the delivery room forever, which one would it be?

  5. Jul 7

    Stop Being Low Maintenance: The Power of Self-Advocacy in Birth

    Are you staying quiet just to "keep the peace" with your doctor? In this episode, Dr. Brittany and Dr. Jaimy tackle the societal pressure on pregnant women to be low maintenance and "go with the flow." We discuss why your voice is the most important tool in the delivery room and how to navigate a medical system that often prioritizes efficiency over humanity. This episode is for every parent-to-be who has ever felt like an "inconvenient" patient for asking questions. It matters because how you are treated during birth sticks with you forever, and coming out alive is only the bare minimum of a successful birth experience. Main Topics Covered: The "Low Maintenance" Trap: Why we are conditioned to put our needs last to avoid "rocking the boat". Power Dynamics: Navigating the authority of providers and regaining your individual agency. The "Bare Minimum" Standard: Moving beyond the standard of "at least you and the baby are okay". The BRAIN Acronym: A practical tool for evaluating Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, and Nothing. Late-Term Switching: Why it is never too late to find a provider who truly respects your voice. Doulas as Advocates: The importance of having a "walking birth encyclopedia" by your side.Key Takeaways: Engagement isn't Inconvenience: Asking questions is a sign of healthy engagement, not a lack of trust in your team. Intuition is Medical Data: Your "off" feeling is a valid signal from your nervous system that needs to be addressed by your provider. Safe vs. Supported: True safety includes physical, emotional, and psychological respect from your birth team. Consistency Matters: You deserve a provider who remains steady and respectful, even when you deviate from the standard script.Connect with the Village: If this conversation empowered you, please follow the show, hit the like button, and share this with a fellow parent. It helps us reach the families who need these honest conversations the most! Website: www.bellybliss.com Booking Site: www.bellybliss.janeapp.com Yoga Schedule: www.bellybliss.com/yoga/ Find us in person at Belly Bliss in Denver for resources, workshops, and support. Until next time, take care of your body and trust its wisdom. If you could outsource one "invisible" household task to a villager this week, which one would save your sanity?

  6. Jun 30

    "Mom Brain" is a Superpower: How Pregnancy and Postpartum Rewire Your Mind

    Ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why you’re there, or felt an intense surge of anxiety that you just couldn't shake? In this episode, Dr. Brittany and Dr. Jaimy dive deep into the science of "Mom Brain" and "Baby Brain" to reframe these experiences from a deficit to a powerful, structural refinement of the nervous system. We explore how the brain actually undergoes "neurological pruning" during pregnancy to make room for maternal instincts, empathy, and hyper-vigilance. This conversation is for every expecting or new parent who feels "off," and for the partners walking alongside them who want to understand the profound neurobiological shift taking place. It matters because when we understand the 24-month timeline of brain recovery, we can trade self-judgment for self-compassion and build a more intentional, supportive village. Main Topics Covered: The Science of Pruning: Why losing gray matter in pregnancy is actually your brain's way of becoming more efficient for motherhood. Structural Changes: What happens to the Prefrontal Cortex, Amygdala, and Hippocampus during the "Mom Brain" shift. The Oxytocin Effect: How the "love hormone" acts as an "intensity hormone," heightening both connection and anxiety. The 2-Year Recovery: Why postpartum recovery is a marathon, not a 6-week sprint, especially for brain chemistry. Rest vs. Sleep: The critical importance of "10 minutes of quiet" to regulate a primal nervous system. The Partner’s Role: How partners can provide safety and consistency while the brain is in a state of high threat perception. Practical Support: Using Cranial Sacral therapy and hydration to facilitate brain function.Key Takeaways: Reframing "Deficit": "Mom Brain" isn't a sign of going crazy; it’s your brain prioritizing your baby’s survival over where you put your keys. Primal Instincts: Your hyper-vigilance is a biological autopilot designed to keep a human alive—give yourself grace for the anxiety it brings. Identity Shift: You are not "returning" to your old self; you are emerging as a new, more capable version of yourself with a rewired brain. Passive Regulation: Tools like meditation and Cranial Sacral work are essential resets for a nervous system stuck in "fight or flight."Connect with us: If you found today’s episode helpful, please follow the show, hit the like button, and share it with a fellow parent. It helps us reach the families who need these honest conversations the most! Website: www.bellybliss.com Booking Site: www.bellybliss.janeapp.com Yoga Schedule: www.bellybliss.com/yoga/ Find us in person at Belly Bliss in Denver for resources, workshops, and support. Until next time, take care of your body and trust its wisdom.

  7. Jun 23

    Why Your Newborn Isn’t Just "Strong": Understanding Tension Patterns

    Ever notice your three-day-old pushing up or looking around and thought, "Wow, my baby is so strong"? In this episode of The Village Talks, Dr. Jaimy and Dr. Brittany explain why that "advanced" head control is often actually a sign of physical tension rather than early strength. This conversation is for every parent who has noticed a head preference, a struggle with tummy time, or a shallow latch and was told to simply "wait and see." It matters because babies don't just grow out of these patterns; they grow into them, and understanding how to support their nervous system now sets the baseline for their entire development. Main Topics Covered The "How" of Newborn Tension: Why even the calmest water births involve significant pressure on an infant’s skull and spine. Intrauterine Positioning: How fibroids, placenta location, and even the length of the cord can create tension patterns before birth begins. The "Advanced Baby" Myth: Why early head control or arching is usually a sign of a rigid, tense system rather than a strong one. Head Preferences and Flat Spots: The critical 2 to 3 day window for intervention when a baby shows a favorite side to avoid long-term cranial shifts. The C-Section Pattern: How the lack of birth canal compression impacts the "Sacral Occipital Reciprocal Motion" and CSF flow. Feeding and the Pelvic Floor: The surprising link between a tucked, tight pelvis and a shallow, painful latch. The "Wait and See" Trap: Why waiting months to address asymmetry allows a baby to build non-functional muscle memory. Home Support Tools: Using baths, yoga balls, and gentle compression to help a baby’s nervous system drop into a "rest and digest" state. Key Takeaways Babies Should Be Soft and Squishy: A healthy newborn should be able to get into a fully relaxed, "open" state when sleeping; rigidity or constant flexion is a signal of underlying stress. Asymmetry is a Clue: If your baby always looks like a "C" in their car seat or holds their head the same way in every photo, it is time for a professional assessment. Tension First, Strength Second: You cannot effectively build strength or motor skills in a body that is stuck in a tension pattern; you must release the restriction before the rehab can work. Nervous System Regulation: Physical tension often keeps a baby in a "fight or flight" state, leading to 20-minute naps, gassiness, and a constant need for comfort. The Mirror Effect: Babies learn the world through their caregivers. Auditing your own habits—like which side you always hold the baby on—can help prevent repetitive tension. Connect with the Village If you found today’s episode helpful, please subscribe, share it with a friend, or leave a review. Your feedback helps this podcast reach the families who need these honest answers. Website: www.bellybliss.com Booking Site: www.bellybliss.janeapp.com Yoga Schedule: www.bellybliss.com/yoga/ Visit us at Belly Bliss in Denver for in-person newborn assessments, resources, and support. It takes a village, but you have to build the walls. Start today. What is one specific type of support such as physical help, emotional venting, or clinical advice you feel is missing from your current network? If your baby could trade their "advanced" rigidity for one hour of deep, floppy sleep, how much would that change your week?

  8. Jun 16

    The Modern Village: Support Networks and Choosing Your Community

    In this episode of The Village Talks, Dr. Jaimy and Dr. Britney discuss the "modern village" and how the traditional support systems of previous generations have shifted. While many parents today live geographically far from family, the need for a community remains critical to avoiding burnout and isolation. Our hosts dive into how to intentionally curate a network that includes both personal friends and a professional birth team to ensure you aren’t navigating the high stakes of parenthood alone. Main Topics Covered The Evolution of the Village: Comparing the multi-generational support systems of the past with today’s transient and remote lifestyles. Geographic Isolation: The unique challenges of moving away from family and building a support system from scratch in a new city. The "Villager" Mindset: Why building a village requires effort, intentionality, and a willingness to be a villager for others. Auditing Your Network: Identifying who in your life is best for emotional venting versus who is capable of physical postpartum support like laundry or groceries. The "Just the Two of Us" Trap: Why relying solely on a partner leads to nervous system overload and how to bridge the gap with external help. Professional Villagers: The importance of vetting your birth team early, including OBs, midwives, doulas, and specialized chiropractors. Social Media vs. Reality: Navigating curated "Instagram lifestyles" and finding realistic local groups that actually meet at the park. Practical Childcare Swaps: How simple three-hour trades with other moms can reset your mental health for the week. Key Takeaways "Common" is not "Normal": Just because isolation or burnout is common doesn't mean it is the way parenthood was designed to be experienced. The Two-Week Mental Scan: When visiting a new parent, don’t ask what they need. Look at the sink, the laundry, or the dog and simply start helping. Vetting Your Birth Team: Your provider village should be established during pregnancy so you aren't making high-stakes decisions while sleep-deprived. You Must Be a Villager to Have a Village: Community is a reciprocal exchange of energy and time that requires showing up for others when you have the capacity. Identity and Connection: Finding a village isn't just about childcare; it's about maintaining your sense of self through shared experiences and community rituals. Connect with the Village If this conversation helped you feel less alone, please subscribe, share it with a friend, or leave a review. It helps us reach the families who need this support the most. Website: www.bellybliss.com Booking Site: www.bellybliss.janeapp.com Yoga Schedule: www.bellybliss.com/yoga/ Visit us at Belly Bliss in Denver for in-person workshops, resources, and support. It takes a village, but you have to build the walls. Start today. What is one specific type of support such as physical help, emotional venting, or clinical advice you feel is missing from your current network? If you could outsource one "invisible" household task to a villager this week, which one would save your sanity?

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About

The Village Talks is a space for honest, grounded conversations about the journey into parenthood — from preconception to postpartum and early parenting. Hosted by Dr. Brittany and Dr. Jaimy of Belly Bliss, this podcast bridges clinical knowledge and real-life experience through candid conversations, family stories, and expert interviews. Not about quick fixes, but understanding your body, your options, and feeling supported — because no one is meant to do this alone.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Jaimy Voigts & Dr. Brittany Rojo
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Jaimy Voigts & Dr. Brittany Rojo
  • Show Website
    The Village Talks