The Village Talks

Dr. Jaimy Voigts & Dr. Brittany Rojo
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Alternative Health
  • 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. 1d ago

    Perinatal Acupuncture: Wellness Insights ft. Dr. Stacy Gentile, L.Ac., DAOM | The Village Talks

    Welcome to a space where physiology meets lived experience. On this episode of The Village Talks podcast, hosts Dr. Jamie and Dr. Brittany welcome Dr. Stacy Gentile, L.Ac., DAOM, an acupuncturist with an advanced practice doctorate in integrative reproductive healthcare, for an insightful exploration into perinatal acupuncture, nervous system regulation, and whole-body wellness. Moving far beyond symptom-chasing and temporary relief, this conversation dives into how Chinese medicine approaches pregnancy as a whole-body continuum. Dr. Stacy breaks down why pregnancy acts as a nine-month physiological "stress test," how maternal nervous system regulation shapes baby's development in utero and through the fourth trimester, the crucial differences between acupuncture and dry needling, and how individualized care supports birth and postpartum recovery. Topics Covered in This Episode From Neuroscience and Pharmacy to Acupuncture: Dr. Stacy's journey from conventional pharmacology to holistic, wellness-driven reproductive medicine.Advanced Reproductive Acupuncture: What an advanced practice doctorate entails and the importance of specialized perinatal training.Whole-Person Care vs. Symptom Management: Moving past the "putting out fires" approach to health and viewing birth as the starting line rather than the finish line.Pregnancy as a Nine-Month Stress Test: How physical and hormonal demands reveal underlying systemic imbalances that inform postpartum and lifelong health.Nervous System Calibration: How parasympathetic regulation supports internal resource allocation and influences fetal development in utero.Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling: Why dry needling is strictly orthopedic, while acupuncture offers comprehensive neuroendocrine and internal organ support.The Thermal Nature of Chinese Medicine: Understanding warming versus cooling dynamics, seasonal impacts, and why common remedies like ginger aren't one-size-fits-all.Acupressure for Labor Preparation: Empowering parents and partners with hands-on tools for labor promotion, comfort, and pain management. Key Takeaways for Families Birth Is the Starting Line: Preparing your body during pregnancy isn't just about crossing the labor milestone; it sets the physiological foundation for postpartum healing and parenthood.Regulate Your Nervous System: Shifting from a sympathetic "fight or flight" or freeze state into parasympathetic "rest and digest" directly benefits both maternal wellbeing and your baby's developing nervous system.Dry Needling Is Not Acupuncture: While dry needling releases tight musculoskeletal trigger points, full-scope acupuncture works systemically on hormones, digestion, fluid dynamics, and stress regulation.Your Body Is the Authority: Individualized care matters; if a popular remedy or stretch makes you feel worse, trust your body's feedback and seek customized care.Evidence Backed by Generations: Chinese medicine pairs thousands of years of recorded clinical observation with modern research to offer nuanced, tailored support for reproductive health. Connect with Dr. Stacy Gentile, L.Ac., DAOM Belly Bliss Profile: bellybliss.com/dr-stacy-gentileWellwoman Acupuncture: wellwomanacupunctureboulder.comInstagram: @dr.stacy.acupuncture Connect with Us Website: bellybliss.comBooking Site: bellybliss.janeapp.comYoga Schedule: bellybliss.com/yogaYouTube: @TheVillageTalksPodcastInstagram: @villagetalkspodcastSpotify: The Village Talks Podcast Support the VillageEnjoyed this episode? Tap Follow on Spotify, leave us a 5-star rating, and share this episode with an expectant or postpartum parent who needs support today!

  2. Oct 27

    Rebuilding Postpartum: Pelvic OT Insights ft. Shari Barta, MS, OTR/L, PCES | The Village Talks

    Welcome to a space where physiology meets lived experience. On this episode of The Village Talks podcast, hosts Dr. Jamie and Dr. Brittany welcome pelvic floor occupational therapist, certified Pilates instructor, and founder of Posture Power Wellness, Shari Barta, MS, OTR/L, PCES, for an empowering deep dive into postpartum recovery and rebuilding from the inside out. From breaking down the myth of the six-week postpartum "all clear" to exploring why traditional rehab often misses the mark, this conversation gets real about what whole-body recovery actually requires. Shari shares her personal journey through diastasis recti, explains how a non-internal, trauma-informed approach to pelvic floor therapy works, and outlines why postural alignment, deep core breathwork, and progressive movement are essential for long-term healing. Topics Covered in This Episode From Patient to Practitioner: How navigating undiagnosed diastasis recti and medical gaslighting led Shari to create the Core Rehab Method.The Six-Week Clearance Myth: Why routine OB checks evaluate acute surgical healing, not functional core readiness.Pelvic Floor Occupational Therapy: Moving beyond isolated symptom care into a functional, whole-body, movement-based model.Non-Internal & Trauma-Informed Care: How external biomechanics, posture, and alignment effectively rehabilitate the pelvic floor without invasive exams.The Core "Canister": Understanding how the diaphragm, transverse abdominis, pelvic floor, and back stabilizers work as an interconnected system.Tucking vs. Neutral Alignment: Why habitual posterior pelvic tilts and glute gripping shut off deep core activation and worsen back pain.Signs of Pelvic Floor Tension Beyond Leaking: Recognizing pain with intercourse, lack of orgasm, urinary urgency, and chronic hip or knee pain.Safe Postpartum Progressions: Rebuilding core stability from floor-based breathwork to standing loads, and why high-impact running must wait. Key Takeaways for Families The Six-Week Check Is Not a Finish Line: Healing a core system after pregnancy requires intentional, progressive rehabilitation similar to recovering from a major athletic injury.Look Beyond Leaking: A tight or hypertonic pelvic floor often manifests as pain with sex, urinary frequency, inability to fully empty the bladder, or persistent hip pain.Stop Tucking Your Pelvis: Tucking your tailbone and gripping your glutes shuts off the lower deep core and places excessive stress on the lumbar spine and pelvic floor.Master Ground-Up Progressions: Just like babies learn to move, postpartum bodies need to master diaphragmatic breath and deep core connection lying down before loading upright posture.Give Yourself Time and Grace: Relaxin remains in your system for months postpartum; prioritize joint stabilization and small functional movements before returning to high-impact exercise. Connect with Shari Barta, MS, OTR/L, PCES Website: posturepowerwellness.comInstagram: @shari_barta_wellnessLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shari-barta-wellnessYouTube: @ShariBarta Connect with Us Website: bellybliss.comBooking Site: bellybliss.janeapp.comYoga Schedule: bellybliss.com/yogaYouTube: @TheVillageTalksPodcastInstagram: @villagetalkspodcastSpotify: The Village Talks Podcast Support the VillageEnjoyed this episode? Tap Follow on Spotify, leave us a 5-star rating, and share this episode with an expectant or postpartum parent who needs relief today!

  3. Oct 20

    The Pelvic Floor Reality: Pelvic PT Insights ft. Dr. Emma Long, PT, DPT | The Village Talks

    Welcome to a space where physiology meets lived experience. On this episode of The Village Talks podcast, hosts Dr. Jamie and Dr. Brittany welcome pelvic health physical therapist Dr. Emma Long, PT, DPT, founder of Terra Pelvic Health, for an in-depth conversation on pelvic floor function, birth preparation, and postpartum recovery. From navigating social media noise and fear-based advice to breaking down the popular "fit for birth" culture, this episode cuts through the confusion. Dr. Emma explains why pelvic floor symptoms are far more often about excess tension rather than weakness, how the "trampoline" dynamic works, what effective pushing mechanics look like, and why pelvic floor care matters whether you plan for a vaginal birth or a cesarean. Topics Covered in This Episode The Role of the Pelvic Floor: Understanding how it manages intra-abdominal pressure, supports organs, and aids fluid return.Tension vs. Weakness: Why most pelvic symptoms stem from tight, overworked muscles rather than a need for Kegels.The Trampoline Analogy: Why the pelvic floor must both lengthen and recoil smoothly to function optimally during birth.The "Fit for Birth" Culture: Navigating workout intensity, overtraining risks, and the necessity of tissue relaxation.Perineal Massage & Nervous System Safety: Using intentional touch and tissue familiarity to reduce birth anxiety and tearing risks.Effective Pushing Mechanics: Coordinating diaphragm descent with pelvic floor lengthening across various labor positions.Cesarean Recovery & Pelvic Health: How abdominal incisions, fascial lines, and pregnancy load impact the pelvic floor long-term.The Truth About Kegels & "Hug the Baby": Why generic cues often fail and how to properly connect with your deep core. Key Takeaways for Families Tension Over Weakness: Doing isolated Kegels without an individual assessment often adds tension to an already guarded system.Train Muscles in Both Directions: A functional pelvic floor must be able to contract and fully lengthen, just like a supportive trampoline.Pushing Is a Coordinated Skill: Practice pressure management, breath mechanics, and gravity-assisted positions before labor begins.C-Sections Still Impact the Pelvic Floor: Fascial connections run head to toe; abdominal scar tissue can trigger pelvic floor tension years later.Build Your Care Team Early: Proactive care in mid-pregnancy helps identify compensations before they lead to pain or birth stalls. Connect with Dr. Emma Long, PT, DPT About Dr. Emma: terrapelvichealth.com/meet-dr-emmaInstagram: @terrapelvichealthPelvic Rehab Directory: pelvicrehab.com/practitioner/emma-long-pt-dpt-2/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emmalongdpt Connect with Us Website: bellybliss.comBooking Site: bellybliss.janeapp.comYoga Schedule: bellybliss.com/yogaYouTube: @TheVillageTalksPodcastInstagram: @villagetalkspodcastSpotify: The Village Talks Podcast Support the VillageEnjoyed this episode? Tap Follow on Spotify, leave us a 5-star rating, and share this episode with an expectant parent who needs relief today!

  4. Oct 13

    Sciatica vs. SI Joint Pain in Pregnancy: Causes, Myths & Relief

    Welcome to a space where physiology meets lived experience. On this episode of The Village Talks podcast, hosts Dr. Jamie and Dr. Brittany tackle the single most common reason patients seek prenatal chiropractic care: low back, glute, and nerve pain. While almost every sharp glute ache in pregnancy gets labeled as "sciatica," true sciatic nerve compression from the spine is actually quite rare. In this deep dive, we break down the critical differences between true sciatica, piriformis syndrome, and SI (sacroiliac) joint dysfunction, explain why generic social media stretches can sometimes make your joint instability worse, and highlight how sacral mobility impacts your birth experience. Topics Covered in This Episode Debunking the Sciatica Myth: Differentiating true radiating nerve compression from common SI joint pain.Understanding SI Joint Dysfunction: Why changing weight distribution and relaxin heavily target the sacroiliac joint.Piriformis Syndrome & Muscle Tension: How tight gluteal muscles compress nerve pathways without spinal involvement.Why Generic Stretches Fail: Explaining how aggressive figure-4 stretches or cat-cows can further destabilize loose joints.Birth Preparation & Sacral Mobility: Why balancing your pelvis now ensures optimal sacral movement during labor.Modification over Elimination: Why bed rest is rarely necessary and how a temporary 2-week activity adjustment allows tissue healing.Collaborative Perinatal Care: How prenatal chiropractors, acupuncturists, and pelvic floor therapists co-manage pelvic balance. Key Takeaways for Families Test the Radiation: True sciatica radiates past the knee down into the foot with sharp, shooting, or numb sensations. Glute-only pain is typically SI joint dysfunction.Pain is Common, But Not Normal: You don't have to "suck it up" or wait until birth; functional bodywork restores balance and drastically improves daily comfort.Beware of Generic Exercises: Blanket stretching routines can over-lengthen already overstretched tissues; seek individualized assessment.Rest Is Productive: Temporarily modifying high-impact loads (like running or long walks) gives inflamed pelvic tissues time to rehydrate and stabilize.Support Your Birth Experience: Addressing SI joint dysfunction during pregnancy keeps your birth options open and prevents painful labor compensations. Connect with Us Website: bellybliss.comBooking Site: bellybliss.janeapp.comYoga Schedule: bellybliss.com/yogaYouTube: @TheVillageTalksPodcastInstagram: @villagetalkspodcastSpotify: The Village Talks Podcast Support the VillageEnjoyed this episode? Tap Follow on Spotify, leave us a 5-star rating, and share this episode with an expectant parent who needs relief today!

  5. Oct 6

    Vulvar Varicosities in Pregnancy: Causes, Pressure Management & Relief

    Welcome to a space where physiology meets lived experience. On this episode of The Village Talks podcast, hosts Dr. Jamie and Dr. Brittany tackle a common yet rarely discussed pregnancy topic: vulvar varicosities, pelvic fullness, and throbbing labial pressure. Many expectant parents experience swelling, heaviness, or visible varicose veins in the vulvar area and feel hesitant to ask about it. In this episode, we break down why increased blood volume, fluid retention, and intra-abdominal pressure cause blood pooling in the external genitalia, outline red flag symptoms requiring immediate care, and discuss conservative relief options ranging from compression to acupuncture. Topics Covered in This Episode Normalizing Vulvar Varicosities: Breaking down the stigma around labial swelling, fullness, and throbbing pressure.Physiological Mechanics: How a 50% increase in blood volume and growing pelvic load hinder venous blood return.Asymmetrical Tension & Vascular Space: Why tightness in the hips, psoas, or pelvic floor can restrict blood flow on one side.Red Flags First: Distinguishing routine pressure from sudden unilateral swelling, extreme heat, or potential bleeding risks.Conservative Relief Strategies: Utilizing targeted compression garments, pelvic tilts, supported glute bridges, and ice for symptomatic relief.Fluid & Electrolyte Dynamics: Understanding why cellular hydration and electrolytes—not just plain water—manage fluid stagnation.Collaborative Perinatal Support: How acupuncture, prenatal chiropractic, and pelvic floor physical therapy improve intra-abdominal pressure management. Key Takeaways for Families Common, But Not Always Disclosed: Vulvar varicosities are extremely common, especially in consecutive pregnancies, but rarely talked about open-group.Pressure & Flow Management: Avoid prolonged standing or sitting in flexed positions; change postures often to clear venous return pathways.Hydrate with Electrolytes: Water alone won't move stagnant tissue fluid; proper electrolyte balance enables kidneys to process swelling.Utilize Gravity & Compression: Gentle inversions like supported glute bridges help drain pooled blood, while specialty compression garments offer daytime support.Explore Acupuncture & Bodywork: Acupuncture and targeted soft tissue release can dramatically improve pelvic stagnation and reduce vein distension. Connect with Us Website: bellybliss.comBooking Site: bellybliss.janeapp.comYoga Schedule: bellybliss.com/yogaYouTube: @TheVillageTalksPodcastInstagram: @villagetalkspodcastSpotify: The Village Talks Podcast Support the VillageEnjoyed this episode? Tap Follow on Spotify, leave us a 5-star rating, and share this episode with an expectant parent who needs relief today!

  6. Sep 29

    "Lightning Crotch" in Pregnancy: Causes, Nerve Shifts & Relief

    Welcome to a space where physiology meets lived experience. On this episode of The Village Talks podcast, hosts Dr. Jamie and Dr. Brittany tackle one of the most surprising and intense symptoms during pregnancy: "lightning crotch." That sudden, sharp, bolt-of-lightning zinger in your pelvic area can take your breath away. In this episode, we break down what is actually happening physiologically when you experience these nervy sensations, dispel common myths about baby "kicking a nerve," explore the impact of pelvic strain and fluid volume, and share functional ways to modify daily movements for relief. Topics Covered in This Episode Clarifying "Lightning Crotch": Demystifying the sudden, sharp, shooting nervy sensations in the pelvic area."Baby is on a Nerve" Myth: Explaining how organ displacement and internal pressure compress tissues rather than baby poking a nerve.Anatomy & Nerve Distribution: Understanding why nerve zingers happen in the labia, pubic bone, lower abdomen, or deep in the pelvis.Distinguishing from Round Ligament Pain: Comparing short, sharp nerve bursts to ongoing ligament tension.Red Flags First: Ruling out severe, persistent pain, bleeding, or fluid leaks before addressing functional causes.Modification over Elimination: Why bed rest is rarely the answer and how small activity shifts create tissue space.Finding Qualified Perinatal Care: How to evaluate providers, chiropractors, and pelvic floor therapists for specialized pregnancy care. Key Takeaways for Families Sudden & Short-Lived: True "lightning crotch" is brief and sporadic; while alarming, it is not an indicator of something dangerous once red flags are ruled out.Pressure, Not an "Evil Baby": Fluid shifts, organ displacement, and muscle tension compress nerves—your baby isn't poking your last nerve on purpose.Hydrate with Electrolytes: Dehydrated fascia and tight tissues irritate nerves more easily; ensure cellular hydration with electrolytes rather than just plain water.Modify, Don't Eliminate: You don't need bed rest; scale back activity loads slightly (e.g., splitting a 60-minute walk into two 30-minute walks).Look for Specialized Care: Choose providers with specific perinatal education and experience who understand female pelvic physiology. Connect with Us Website: bellybliss.comBooking Site: bellybliss.janeapp.comYoga Schedule: bellybliss.com/yogaYouTube: @TheVillageTalksPodcastInstagram: @villagetalkspodcastSpotify: The Village Talks Podcast Support the VillageEnjoyed this episode? Tap Follow on Spotify, leave us a 5-star rating, and share this episode with an expectant parent who needs relief today!

  7. Sep 22

    SPD & Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy: Causes, Exercises to Avoid & 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 one of the most common complaints during pregnancy: Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) and generalized pelvic girdle pain. Many expectant parents are told that sharp pubic bone pain or groin discomfort is "just a normal part of pregnancy," but you don't have to simply suffer through it. In this episode, we clarify why "pelvic girdle pain" is a broad label rather than a specific diagnosis, break down the surrounding muscles and ligaments involved, identify high-risk movements like curb walking, and outline actionable strategies for real relief. Topics Covered in This Episode Specificity Over Generic Labels: Why "pelvic girdle pain" is a catch-all term and how isolating the exact tissue changes your care.Key Anatomy Involved: The role of adductors, hip flexors, inguinal ligaments, and the psoas in pubic joint strain.The Internal Pelvic Floor Connection: How internal rotators and pelvic floor tension directly pull on the pubic ramus.Exercises & Movements to Avoid: Why asymmetrical movements like deep lunges, 90/90 stretches, and curb walking can worsen SPD.Red Flags to Watch For: Differentiating routine musculoskeletal pain from severe sudden-onset weakness, clots, or localized trauma.Collaborative Perinatal Care: How prenatal chiropractors, pelvic floor PTs, and OTs work together for targeted treatment.Preparing for Labor: Managing SPD during pregnancy so pubic joint pain doesn't dictate your birth options or comfort. Key Takeaways for Families Common, But Not Something You Must Bear: You don't have to "suck it up"—functional care can restore ease when rolling over, walking, or taking stairs.Avoid Asymmetrical Movement: If you're experiencing SPD, keep your knees together when getting out of the car or rolling over in bed, and avoid single-leg exercises.Look Beyond the Joint: Pain at the pubic bone is rarely just a bone issue; it frequently stems from overstretched or weak inner thigh adductors.Skip the Curb Walking if You Have SPD: Popular labor prep activities like curb walking create pelvic shearing that exacerbates joint inflammation.Seek Functional Assessment: Find a specialized prenatal chiropractor or pelvic floor physical therapist who evaluates your body's full mechanics. Connect with Us Website: bellybliss.comBooking Site: bellybliss.janeapp.comYoga Schedule: bellybliss.com/yogaYouTube: @TheVillageTalksPodcastInstagram: @villagetalkspodcastSpotify: The Village Talks Podcast Support the VillageEnjoyed this episode? Tap Follow on Spotify, leave us a 5-star rating, and share this episode with an expectant parent who needs relief today!

  8. Sep 1

    Jaw Pain & TMJ in Pregnancy: Causes, Pelvic Floor Connection & 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 an often overlooked pregnancy symptom: jaw pain, clenching, teeth grinding, and TMJ tension. Many expectant parents experience new or worsening jaw tightness and assume it’s just something they have to deal with until birth. In this episode, we break down why rising relaxin levels impact the temporomandibular joint, how stress and posture play a massive role, and the deep physiological connection between your jaw and your pelvic floor. Topics Covered in This Episode Red Flags to Rule Out: Identifying facial weakness, sudden swelling, or severe headaches requiring medical evaluation.Relaxin & Joint Instability: How hormone shifts loosen ligaments in the jaw, forcing muscles to overwork for stability.The Jaw-Pelvic Floor Connection: Understanding the fascial, neurological, and emotional links between your jaw and pelvis.Subconscious Clenching & Stress: How high-demand jobs, financial shifts, and life transitions trigger involuntary jaw tension.Chewing & Postural Habits: Evaluating how sleep positions, desk posture, and eating habits impact TMJ function.Intraoral & Soft Tissue Relief: Safe, gentle ways to manage fascial tension without destabilizing the joint.Labor & Birth Preparation: How mastering jaw relaxation and low vocalizations helps open the pelvic floor during birth. Key Takeaways for Families Pain is Common, But Not Something to Ignore: You don't have to suffer through jaw tightness; gentle management can restore up to 80-90% function.Relax Your Jaw to Relax Your Pelvis: Tightening your jaw directly mirrors tension in your pelvic floor. Keep your mouth soft to stay open.Avoid Radical Adjustments: Joint instability in pregnancy requires gentle soft tissue, facial, and cranial support rather than aggressive cavitation.Practice Vocalization for Birth: Low, guttural moans naturally release jaw tension and encourage pelvic floor opening during contractions.Mind Your Daily Habits: Avoid sleeping with hands wedged under your jaw, balance your posture at your desk, and cut up tough foods to prevent strain. Connect with Us Website: bellybliss.comBooking Site: bellybliss.janeapp.comYoga Schedule: bellybliss.com/yogaYouTube: @TheVillageTalksPodcastInstagram: @villagetalkspodcastSpotify: The Village Talks Podcast Support the VillageEnjoyed this episode? Tap Follow on Spotify, leave us a 5-star rating, and share this episode with an expectant parent who needs relief today!

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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
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Jaimy Voigts & Dr. Brittany Rojo
  • Show Website
    The Village Talks