Gentle Beginnings

Toby Deutsch
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Parenting
  • Weekly

**Gentle Beginnings Pregnancy & Birth Podcast** Gentle Beginnings is an evidence-based pregnancy and childbirth podcast designed to help expectant mothers feel calm, confident, and empowered throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Hosted by Toby Deutsch, a certified GentleBirth childbirth educator and founder of Gentle Beginnings, this podcast explores the science and mindset behind a positive birth experience. Each episode provides practical pregnancy education and tools to help you prepare for labor, including birth preparation, labor physiology, breathing techniques for birth, hypnobirthing, mindfulness for pregnancy, nervous system regulation, birth advocacy, hospital birth preparation, postpartum recovery, and newborn life. You’ll hear inspiring birth stories, expert interviews, and evidence-based conversations that help you understand your body, build confidence, reduce fear around birth, and make informed decisions throughout your pregnancy journey. Whether you are planning a hospital birth, home birth, working with a doula, or simply looking to feel more prepared and empowered, Gentle Beginnings is here to support you with education, encouragement, and practical tools. For deeper preparation, explore the **Brain Body Birth™ online childbirth education course**, where you’ll learn how to train your brain, trust your body, and approach birth with confidence. The course includes comprehensive lessons on mindset, birth physiology, advocacy, and postpartum preparation. Visit **https://www.gentlebeginnings.life** to learn more about the course and access your **free mindfulness track** to help you feel calmer and more connected during pregnancy. **Disclaimer:** The Gentle Beginnings Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and birth experience is unique. Always consult with your own healthcare provider or qualified birth professional regarding your personal health, pregnancy, and birth decisions.

  1. 4d ago

    12. Hoping for an Unmedicated Birth? Listen to This Before You Decide | Holistic Doula Sarah Malka Malik-Foster

    Unmedicated birth after epidurals | acupressure and reflexology for labor | home birth and water birth myths | holistic doula advice Can acupressure and reflexology help you go into labor? Is home birth safe? And what makes an unmedicated birth possible, even after epidurals with every baby before? Holistic doula Sarah Malka Malik-Foster joins Toby on the Gentle Beginnings Podcast to answer all of it. Sarah Malka's path into birth work began about thirty years ago with two C-sections she now knows didn't need to happen. Today she's a mom of three, a stepmother of eight, and a holistic doula, Chinese medicine practitioner, reflexologist, sound healer and Reiki master with more than a decade of experience. For the last seven years she's worked mostly with pregnancy, labor and postpartum, in English and Spanish. She explains what qi, acupressure and reflexology actually are, and why she thinks of them as inviting your baby rather than forcing labor. She shares her rule about not starting natural induction techniques before 40 weeks, why she doesn't love the term "comfort measures," and the biggest misconceptions about home birth and water birth. And she tells the stories of moms who went unmedicated after several epidural births, including a reframe of the ring of fire that gave Toby chills. Whether you're planning a hospital birth, a home birth, an epidural or an unmedicated birth, this conversation is about choosing your birth from knowledge, not fear. WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@gentlebeginningsofficial ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE: Can acupressure or reflexology help start labor? Sarah Malka uses them to help "invite" labor when a mom is ready, often by helping her release fears that are holding her back. She asks doulas not to start these techniques before 40 weeks, since pushing too early can lead to prodromal labor.  Is home birth safe? For low-risk moms with a qualified midwife and a clear transfer plan, many families choose home birth. Midwives transfer at the first "yellow flag," before anything becomes urgent. The most important thing is to birth where you feel safe.  Is a water birth the same as a home birth? No. Many moms who birth at home never get in the water, and some hospitals offer birth tubs.  Can I have an unmedicated birth if I had epidurals before? Many moms do. Sarah Malka shares stories of moms who had three or four epidural births and then went unmedicated. It takes physical, mental and spiritual preparation, and an epidural is always a valid choice. This episode is for educational purposes and isn't medical advice. Talk to your provider about what's right for you and your pregnancy. TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:  How traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure and reflexology can support pregnancy, labor and postpartum  Home birth and water birth myths, and why feeling safe shapes how labor unfolds  Preparing for an unmedicated birth with breath, presence, faith and a supportive team CONNECT WITH SARAH MALKA: • Instagram: @SarahMalkaFoster_HolisticDoula  Email: mahyaterapia@gmail.com  Phone: 305-206-6920 (English and Spanish) CONNECT WITH TOBY:  Follow Toby on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gentlebeginningsofficial/  Website: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/  Need support? Here are a few resources:  Brain Body Birth Course: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/bbb   Free Mindfulness Track: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/FreeMindfulnessTrack   Healthy Breakfast Lactation Cookies: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/cookies   WhatsApp Community for women who are pregnant or love learning about birth: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DAcXJqhMM0aCCBniRr6VPj About Toby: Toby Deutsch created Gentle Beginnings because she saw how many expectant mothers were entering birth feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of what to expect. In a world filled with conflicting advice and fear-based stories, it can be difficult to know what to trust or how to prepare in a way that truly supports both mother and baby. Through her work, Toby focuses on something that is often overlooked in traditional childbirth preparation: the powerful connection between the mind, the nervous system, and birth outcomes.

    12. Hoping for an Unmedicated Birth? Listen to This Before You Decide | Holistic Doula Sarah Malka Malik-Foster

  2. Nov 4

    11. Everyone Said “It’s Normal.” Her Gut Said No. | Sheina’s Postpartum and PICU Story (Part 2)

    Trusting a mother’s intuition | newborn in the PICU | breastfeeding after a NICU or PICU stay | finger feeding | postpartum after a hospital stay What do you do when everyone tells you “it’s normal,” but your gut says something is wrong? In Part 2 of Sheina’s story on the Gentle Beginnings Podcast, we pick up right after her calm, unmedicated hospital birth. Her doula kept telling her, “You have such a good motherly intuition. Listen to yourself.” A few days later, Sheina understood why. When her newborn seemed unusually sleepy and wasn’t feeding well, she was told it was normal newborn behavior. Sheina trusted her instincts, described exactly what she was seeing to her pediatrician, and got her baby care right away. What followed was a two-week stay in the PICU, a diagnosis of SVT (supraventricular tachycardia), and a turning point that surprised even her doctors. Sheina is very clear that her experience is rare and won’t happen to most families. She shares it for the mom who does go through something hard, so she has someone to relate to. We talk about feeling disconnected from your baby in the hospital, the guilt so many parents carry, and the friends who showed up with food. Sheina also shares her emunah through it all: a whole community saying Tehillim, the moment a friend asked, “Have you checked your mezuzos?”, and feeling Hashem with her every step of the way. We end on a hopeful note. After weeks of pumping, bottles and “triple feeding,” Sheina shares how she got her baby back to breastfeeding using finger feeding, with the help of a lactation consultant who believed they could do it. We also talk about the endless “shoulds” new moms face on Instagram, and why you are the expert on your own baby. Her baby is home, healthy and nursing. Missed Part 1? Listen to Episode 10, Sheina’s unmedicated hospital birth after an induction. WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@gentlebeginningsofficial COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE: What if everyone says my newborn’s behavior is normal, but it doesn’t feel right? Trust yourself and check it out. Call your pediatrician and describe exactly what you’re seeing. As Sheina learned, the details you share matter. Is it normal to feel disconnected from your baby during a NICU or PICU stay? Many parents feel this way. It comes from fear and stress, not from a lack of love, and it’s worth talking about with someone you trust. Can you get back to breastfeeding after a NICU or PICU stay? For many moms, yes. Sheina pumped the whole time her baby was in the hospital, then used finger feeding with a lactation consultant’s guidance to transition back to nursing. It took time and patience, and the right support made all the difference. If the first lactation consultant isn’t a fit, it’s okay to try another. Are lactation consultants expensive? They can be. Sheina’s first one was covered by insurance, and she found community organizations that helped cover the second. It’s worth asking around in your own community. How can I support a friend whose baby is in the hospital? Sheina’s answer: drop off real food. A postpartum mom in the hospital needs to be fed too. This episode shares one family’s experience and isn’t medical advice. If your baby seems unusually sleepy, isn’t feeding, or just doesn’t seem right to you, call your pediatrician. In an emergency, call 911. TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE: Trusting a mother’s intuition, even when you’re told everything is normal A newborn’s PICU stay, an SVT diagnosis, emunah, and the emotions parents rarely talk about Breastfeeding after a hospital stay, finger feeding, and why you’re the expert on your baby CONNECT WITH TOBY: Follow Toby on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gentlebeginningsofficial/ Website: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/ Need support? Here are a few resources: Brain Body Birth Course: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/bbb Free Mindfulness Track: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/FreeMindfulnessTrack Healthy Breakfast Lactation Cookies: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/cookies WhatsApp Community for women who are pregnant or love learning about birth: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DAcXJqhMM0aCCBniRr6VPj About Toby: Toby Deutsch created Gentle Beginnings because she saw how many expectant mothers were entering birth feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of what to expect. In a world filled with conflicting advice and fear-based stories, it can be difficult to know what to trust or how to prepare in a way that truly supports both mother and baby. Through her work, Toby focuses on something that is often overlooked in traditional childbirth preparation: the powerful connection between the mind, the nervous system, and birth outcomes.

    11. Everyone Said “It’s Normal.” Her Gut Said No. | Sheina’s Postpartum and PICU Story (Part 2)

  3. Oct 28

    10. Her Water Broke, She Was Induced, and She Still Got Her Dream Birth | Sheina’s Hospital Birth Story (Part 1)

    Unmedicated hospital birth after induction | GBS positive birth story | water breaking before contractions | birth story with no epidural Can you have an unmedicated birth after being induced? Sheina’s story says yes, and it’s one of the most surprising birth stories we’ve shared on the Gentle Beginnings Podcast. Sheina dreamed of a birth center birth. When the birth center was fully booked and a home birth wasn’t in the budget, she landed in the hospital setting she’d been told was the hardest place to give birth without an epidural. Then she tested positive for Group B Strep, and her biggest fear came true. Her water broke the night before her due date with no contractions, which meant an induction. What happened next is pure birth magic. Using her mantra “my body was made for this,” a supportive husband who learned counterpressure in class, and a doula who knew exactly when to suggest the shower, Sheina labored so calmly that she was practically falling asleep between contractions. She ended up crowning in the hospital shower before anyone realized how close she was. Her baby boy arrived less than 14 hours after her first dose of induction medication, with no Pitocin and no epidural. We also talk openly about something rarely discussed: prenatal depression, newlywed pregnancy, and why that first trimester exhaustion is so much more than “being lazy.” Part 2 is coming soon, where Sheina shares her postpartum journey. WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@gentlebeginningsofficial COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE: Can you have an unmedicated birth if you’re induced? For many women, yes. Sheina’s labor was started with medication to soften her cervix, and her body took over on its own. Every induction is different, and an epidural is always a valid choice. What happens if you’re GBS positive and your water breaks? Many providers recommend coming in soon after your water breaks so antibiotics and next steps can be discussed. Talk to your provider ahead of time about their protocol. Is prenatal depression real? Yes. Low mood, anxiety and not feeling like yourself during pregnancy are common and worth talking about with your provider or someone you trust. How can partners help during labor? Hip squeezes, counterpressure, TENS machine support and advocacy, especially when they’ve learned alongside you. TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE: Navigating early pregnancy exhaustion, prenatal depression and a new marriage Preparing for an unmedicated hospital birth with mindset tools, a doula and a partner who’s all in A GBS-positive induction that unfolded into a calm, unmedicated shower labor and fast birth CONNECT WITH TOBY: Follow Toby on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gentlebeginningsofficial/ Website: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/   Need support? Here are a few resources: Brain Body Birth Course: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/bbb Free Mindfulness Track: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/FreeMindfulnessTrack Healthy Breakfast Lactation Cookies: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/cookies WhatsApp Community for women who are pregnant or love learning about birth: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DAcXJqhMM0aCCBniRr6VPj About Toby: Toby Deutsch created Gentle Beginnings because she saw how many expectant mothers were entering birth feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of what to expect. In a world filled with conflicting advice and fear-based stories, it can be difficult to know what to trust or how to prepare in a way that truly supports both mother and baby. Through her work, Toby focuses on something that is often overlooked in traditional childbirth preparation: the powerful connection between the mind, the nervous system, and birth outcomes.

    10. Her Water Broke, She Was Induced, and She Still Got Her Dream Birth | Sheina’s Hospital Birth Story (Part 1)

  4. Oct 14

    09. Why Pregnancy Preparation Starts Before You're Pregnant with Ronit Menashe, Co-Founder of WeNatal

    Episode 9: Why Pregnancy Preparation Starts Before You're Pregnant with Ronit Menashe, Co-Founder of WeNatal What if preparing for a healthy pregnancy starts long before you ever see a positive pregnancy test? In this episode of the Gentle Beginnings Podcast, Toby sits down with Ronit Menashe, co-founder of WeNatal, to discuss one of the most overlooked parts of fertility and pregnancy: Trimester Zero, the three months before conception. Ronit shares her personal journey through pregnancy loss, how it inspired the creation of WeNatal, and why fertility is not just a woman's responsibility. Together they explore how both egg and sperm quality shape pregnancy, why postpartum health begins before conception, and what actually makes a prenatal vitamin worth taking. Whether you're trying to conceive, currently pregnant, postpartum, or simply planning ahead for the future, this conversation offers practical, science-backed information that every family should hear. In This Episode We Discuss • What Trimester Zero is, and why the three months before conception matter for both egg and sperm quality. • Why sperm health is 50% of the fertility and miscarriage equation, and how men can improve it with just a few months of change. • Why preparing before pregnancy can support postpartum recovery and reduce nutrient depletion. • Why women having pregnancies close together should continue prioritizing high-quality prenatal nutrition during pregnancy and postpartum. • The lifestyle habits that can improve sperm health in as little as three months. • What makes a prenatal vitamin truly high quality, and why it matters in postpartum and during pregnancies spaced close together. • How to evaluate your current prenatal by looking beyond the label. • Whether a healthy diet alone is enough during pregnancy and postpartum. • Practical tips for navigating nausea while still supporting your baby's nutritional needs. • The powerful role mindset, gratitude, and self-care play throughout the fertility and pregnancy journey. Watch Episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gentlebeginningsofficial Connect with Ronit & WeNatal Website: https://wenatal.com Free Guides: https://wenatal.com/guides Instagram: @we_natal Email: care@wenatal.com Connect with Toby Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gentlebeginningsofficial/ Website: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/  Need Support? Here Are a Few Resources Brain Body Birth Course: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/bbb Free Mindfulness Track: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/FreeMindfulnessTrack Healthy Breakfast Lactation Cookies: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/cookies Join the Gentle Beginnings WhatsApp Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DAcXJqhMM0aCCBniRr6VPj About Toby: Toby Deutsch created Gentle Beginnings because she saw how many expectant mothers were entering birth feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of what to expect. In a world filled with conflicting advice and fear-based stories, it can be difficult to know what to trust or how to prepare in a way that truly supports both mother and baby. Through her work, Toby focuses on something that is often overlooked in traditional childbirth preparation: the powerful connection between the mind, the nervous system, and birth outcomes.

    09. Why Pregnancy Preparation Starts Before You're Pregnant with Ronit Menashe, Co-Founder of WeNatal

  5. Oct 7

    08. From Control to Confidence: Blimi's Empowering Birth Story

    Birth story, mindset during pregnancy, fast labor, home birth, postpartum recovery, Brain Body Birth success story — this episode is a masterclass in what's possible when fear is replaced with preparation. In this episode, I sit down with my good friend and Brain Body Birth student Blimi Adler, who shares her journey from feeling anxious and overwhelmed as a busy entrepreneur and mom expecting her second baby, to walking into her birth feeling calm, confident, and genuinely excited. Blimi opens up about her first induced birth, where she never actually experienced labor, and how that left her wanting more clarity and more control the second time around. We talk about the crash course we did together just weeks before she gave birth, how quickly the brain can shift and prepare during pregnancy, and how Blimi went from never even considering a home birth to texting her sister two days before labor that "next time" she wanted one. Then she takes us through her fast-moving, unmedicated labor at home, the unexpected unassisted birth that followed, and the calm, grounded postpartum moments afterward with her husband and son. We also talk about something not discussed nearly enough: postpartum preparation, and why recovery deserves just as much attention as birth itself. This is a story about trusting your body, releasing the need to control every outcome, and discovering just how much capacity you actually have. WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@gentlebeginningsofficial TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE: Going from anxious and overwhelmed to calm and prepared, and how quickly the brain can shift during pregnancy with the right tools. A fast-moving, unmedicated home birth, and what it taught Blimi about trusting her body instead of tying herself to one specific outcome. Why postpartum preparation deserves so much more attention, and how mindset carried her through recovery. CONNECT WITH BLIMI: Business coaching & Launch Mode course: https://www.blimiadler.com/launchmode  Email blimi@pivotyes.com CONNECT WITH TOBY: Follow Toby on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gentlebeginningsofficial/ Website: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/ Need support? Here are a few resources: Brain Body Birth Course: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/bbb Free Mindfulness Track: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/FreeMindfulnessTrack Healthy Breakfast Lactation Cookies: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/cookies WhatsApp Community for women who are pregnant or love learning about birth: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DAcXJqhMM0aCCBniRr6VPj About Toby: Toby Deutsch created Gentle Beginnings because she saw how many expectant mothers were entering birth feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of what to expect. In a world filled with conflicting advice and fear-based stories, it can be difficult to know what to trust or how to prepare in a way that truly supports both mother and baby. Through her work, Toby focuses on something that is often overlooked in traditional childbirth preparation: the powerful connection between the mind, the nervous system, and birth outcomes.

    08. From Control to Confidence: Blimi's Empowering Birth Story

  6. Sep 9

    07. Birth Control After Birth: The Unbiased Guide Every New Mom Needs: feat. Sora Miriam Davis

    Postpartum Birth Control Options Explained: Mini Pill, IUDs, and Non-Hormonal Methods with Sora Miriam Davis YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gentlebeginningsofficial Postpartum birth control, mini pill, hormonal IUD, copper IUD, fertility awareness method, breastfeeding and birth control, Orthodox Jewish family planning — this episode is the birth control conversation so many postpartum women wish they'd had before their six-week visit. In this episode, I sit down with Sora Mariam Davis, a birth control and intimacy educator, to break down postpartum birth control options in a balanced, evidence-based, non-fear-based way. So many women leave their six-week postpartum visit with a list of options and no real understanding of what any of them mean, how they work, or how to choose. Sora Miriam is on a mission to change that by putting women back on their own healthcare team. We cover the most common postpartum options, including the mini pill (progestin-only), the hormonal IUD, and the copper IUD, how each one actually works, common myths around breastfeeding and hormonal birth control, and how side effects like mood changes, spotting, and libido shifts can show up differently for every woman. We also talk about non-hormonal methods like the diaphragm and fertility awareness method (FAM), the realities and risks of relying on breastfeeding alone (LAM) as birth control, and how Orthodox Jewish couples navigate these decisions alongside their rabbi, with an important myth-busting conversation about what that really looks like. This conversation is all about making informed, individualized choices, without judgment and without fear-mongering in either direction. WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@gentlebeginningsofficial  TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:- The most common postpartum birth control options, how the mini pill, hormonal IUD, and copper IUD actually work, and common myths around breastfeeding and hormones. Non-hormonal options like the diaphragm and fertility awareness method (FAM), and the real risks of relying on breastfeeding alone (LAM) for protection. How Orthodox Jewish couples navigate birth control decisions with their rabbi, and why balance, not extremes, is key. CONNECT WITH SARAH MARIAM:  Website: www.inrhythmcourses.com   Email: inrhythmcourses@gmail.com *CONNECT WITH TOBY: Follow Toby on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gentlebeginningsofficial/  Website: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/    Need support? Here are a few resources: Brain Body Birth Course: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/bbb Free Mindfulness Track: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/FreeMindfulnessTrack Healthy Breakfast Lactation Cookies: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/cookies WhatsApp Community for women who are pregnant or love learning about birth: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DAcXJqhMM0aCCBniRr6VPj About Toby: Toby Deutsch created Gentle Beginnings because she saw how many expectant mothers were entering birth feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of what to expect. In a world filled with conflicting advice and fear-based stories, it can be difficult to know what to trust or how to prepare in a way that truly supports both mother and baby. Through her work, Toby focuses on something that is often overlooked in traditional childbirth preparation: the powerful connection between the mind, the nervous system, and birth outcomes.

    07. Birth Control After Birth: The Unbiased Guide Every New Mom Needs: feat. Sora Miriam Davis

  7. Sep 2

    06. The Gut Microbiome, Probiotics, and Pregnancy: What the Research Actually Shows

    Gut microbiome, probiotics during pregnancy, GBS (Group B Strep), brain-gut connection, vaginal seeding, baby's microbiome — this episode is a deep dive into a topic that deserves way more attention during pregnancy. In this solo episode, I'm breaking down the gut microbiome and probiotics during pregnancy in simple, non-overwhelming language. We talk about what the microbiome actually is, why it matters so much more than just digestion, and how it connects to your immune system, your hormones, your inflammation, your mental health, and even your baby's long-term health. I cover the research on probiotics and GBS (Group B Strep), including how certain lactobacillus strains may help support a healthier vaginal microbiome, the fascinating brain-gut connection and why antibiotics can affect your mood, how pregnancy itself changes your microbiome, and how your baby's microbiome develops during and after birth, including options like vaginal seeding for babies born via C-section. I also share practical, everyday ways to support your gut through food, fermented foods, fiber, and probiotics, without needing to buy into expensive wellness culture or feel overwhelmed. My hope is that this episode helps you feel more informed and more connected to your body, and reminds you just how intelligent your body really is. WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@gentlebeginningsofficial TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE: What the microbiome is, and why it plays a role in your pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and your baby's long-term health. The brain-gut connection, probiotics and GBS research, and how antibiotics affect your gut and mood. How baby's microbiome develops, including vaginal seeding after a C-section, and simple food-based ways to support your gut daily. CONNECT WITH TOBY: Follow Toby on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gentlebeginningsofficial/ Website: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/ Need support? Here are a few resources: Brain Body Birth Course: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/bbb Free Mindfulness Track: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/FreeMindfulnessTrack Healthy Breakfast Lactation Cookies: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/cookies WhatsApp Community for women who are pregnant or love learning about birth: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DAcXJqhMM0aCCBniRr6VPj RESEARCH & STUDIES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Protective Effect of Lactobacillus crispatus against Vaginal Colonization with Group B Streptococci in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy:  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9506259/ The Benefits of Prebiotics and Probiotics on Mental Health: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10490379/ The Maternal Gut Microbiome during Pregnancy: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5648614/ Can Vaginal Seeding at Birth Improve Health Outcomes of Cesarean Section-Delivered Infants? A Scoping Review: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12195427/ About Toby: Toby Deutsch created Gentle Beginnings because she saw how many expectant mothers were entering birth feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of what to expect. In a world filled with conflicting advice and fear-based stories, it can be difficult to know what to trust or how to prepare in a way that truly supports both mother and baby. Through her work, Toby focuses on something that is often overlooked in traditional childbirth preparation: the powerful connection between the mind, the nervous system, and birth outcomes.

    06. The Gut Microbiome, Probiotics, and Pregnancy: What the Research Actually Shows

  8. Aug 26

    05. From Birth Trauma to an Unplanned Home Birth: Chanie's Redemptive Birth Story

    A birth trauma healing story, an unplanned home birth, and a masterclass in evidence-based birth prep - this episode has it all. In this episode, I sit down with Chanie, a Brain Body Birth student, who takes us through her journey from two traumatic hospital births to a completely different third birth experience. Her first two births left her afraid of labor: her water broke both times, she was induced, and with her second baby she was vacuum-assisted with no explanation from her medical team, not during, and not afterward. Going into her third pregnancy, on top of five months of severe nausea and IV fluids, that fear of a repeat traumatic birth followed her everywhere. We talk about how hypnosis and affirmations helped her sleep through the night for the first time in months, how becoming an evidence-based, educated patient changed the way she approached her prenatal care, and her decision to pause a scheduled induction after doing her own research into whether it was medically necessary. Chanie also walks us through the fast-moving, adrenaline-filled story of her labor, laboring at home on a birth ball and on the toilet, not realizing how far along she actually was, and the unplanned, unassisted home birth that followed with Hatzalah, a local volunteer EMS service, arriving just in time to help deliver her baby. This conversation is about healing from birth trauma, learning to trust your body, and what becomes possible when fear is replaced with real information and self-advocacy. WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@gentlebeginningsofficial TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE: Healing from past birth trauma and navigating a high-nausea pregnancy with fear of a repeat experience. Using hypnosis, affirmations, and evidence-based birth education to advocate for herself and pause a scheduled induction. A fast, unplanned home birth, and what it taught her about trusting her body's ability to give birth. CONNECT WITH TOBY: Follow Toby on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gentlebeginningsofficial/ Website: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/ Need support? Here are a few resources: Brain Body Birth Course: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/bbb Free Mindfulness Track: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/FreeMindfulnessTrack Healthy Breakfast Lactation Cookies: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/cookies WhatsApp Community for women who are pregnant or love learning about birth: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DAcXJqhMM0aCCBniRr6VPj About Toby: Toby Deutsch created Gentle Beginnings because she saw how many expectant mothers were entering birth feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of what to expect. In a world filled with conflicting advice and fear-based stories, it can be difficult to know what to trust or how to prepare in a way that truly supports both mother and baby. Through her work, Toby focuses on something that is often overlooked in traditional childbirth preparation: the powerful connection between the mind, the nervous system, and birth outcomes.

    05. From Birth Trauma to an Unplanned Home Birth: Chanie's Redemptive Birth Story
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About

**Gentle Beginnings Pregnancy & Birth Podcast** Gentle Beginnings is an evidence-based pregnancy and childbirth podcast designed to help expectant mothers feel calm, confident, and empowered throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Hosted by Toby Deutsch, a certified GentleBirth childbirth educator and founder of Gentle Beginnings, this podcast explores the science and mindset behind a positive birth experience. Each episode provides practical pregnancy education and tools to help you prepare for labor, including birth preparation, labor physiology, breathing techniques for birth, hypnobirthing, mindfulness for pregnancy, nervous system regulation, birth advocacy, hospital birth preparation, postpartum recovery, and newborn life. You’ll hear inspiring birth stories, expert interviews, and evidence-based conversations that help you understand your body, build confidence, reduce fear around birth, and make informed decisions throughout your pregnancy journey. Whether you are planning a hospital birth, home birth, working with a doula, or simply looking to feel more prepared and empowered, Gentle Beginnings is here to support you with education, encouragement, and practical tools. For deeper preparation, explore the **Brain Body Birth™ online childbirth education course**, where you’ll learn how to train your brain, trust your body, and approach birth with confidence. The course includes comprehensive lessons on mindset, birth physiology, advocacy, and postpartum preparation. Visit **https://www.gentlebeginnings.life** to learn more about the course and access your **free mindfulness track** to help you feel calmer and more connected during pregnancy. **Disclaimer:** The Gentle Beginnings Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and birth experience is unique. Always consult with your own healthcare provider or qualified birth professional regarding your personal health, pregnancy, and birth decisions.

Information

  • Creator
    Toby Deutsch
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Toby Deutsch
  • Show Website
    Gentle Beginnings

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