The Breath & Birth Co Podcast

Vanessa Bauman
  • 5.0 (3)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Welcome to The Breath & Birth Co Podcast — a space for mindful preparation and grounded transformation through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Hosted by Vanessa Bauman, Certified Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, and Prenatal Yoga, Breathwork, and Meditation Teacher, this podcast bridges evidence-based education with intuitive wisdom to help you feel informed, empowered, and at peace throughout your journey. Each episode invites you to pause, breathe, and learn through guided meditations, expert interviews, and real birth stories that nurture your mind-body connection and strengthen your confidence. Whether you’re preparing for your first birth, planning a VBAC, or seeking a calmer start to parenthood, you’ll find tools, stories, and support to help you cultivate calm, confidence, and connection every step of the way. (Educational content only; not a substitute for medical advice. Visit breathandbirthco.com/disclaimer for full details.) Keywords:  pregnancy podcastprenatal educationchildbirth educationevidence-based birthdoula tipsbirth storiespregnancy meditationprenatal yogamindfulness for pregnancylabor preparationbirth plan supportcalm birth techniquescesarean birth preparationhospital birth advocacybreathing exercises for laborrelaxation for pregnancypostpartum recovery tipsmind-body connectionbirth confidencepregnancy affirmations

  1. JUN 7

    35. See You at Babies & Bumps and Announcing the Becoming Pregnancy Retreat!

    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 Breath and Birth Co Podcast00:47 Personal Update: Balancing Work and Family03:17 Exciting Announcements and Upcoming Events05:30 Launching the 'Becoming' Pregnancy Retreat08:04 Celebrating Milestones and Future Plans09:19 Conclusion and GratitudeSee FULL SHOW NOTES HERE. Follow me on Instagram here! Find more information on course offerings here. Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence. If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could share with a friend and leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm). As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

    10 min

  2. MAY 1

    34. Vanessa's Birth Story: A Hospital HypnoBirth® with Special Guest Aly Romot (Part 2 of 2)

    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 birth setting. The conversation closes on a reflective note about the transformative power of birth work and the enduring bonds formed between doulas and birthing individuals. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:47 Recap of Previous Episode02:02 Arrival at the Hospital03:19 Labor Progress and Monitoring06:32 Decisions and Interventions09:12 Oxytocin Boost and Emotional Moments12:10 Pitocin and Active Labor17:29 Transition and Pushing25:55 Birth and Immediate Postpartum28:09 Reflecting on a Difficult Moment29:06 Empowering Birth Choices33:09 Choosing the Right Provider34:09 The Importance of Midwifery Care36:02 The Placenta Experience39:43 Post-Birth Reflections44:28 Informed Consent and Birth Choices47:42 Doula Reflections and Experiences54:28 The Bond Between Doulas and Clients57:33 Closing Thoughts and FarewellSEE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE. Follow me on Instagram here! Find more information on course offerings here. Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence. If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could share with a friend and leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm). As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

    58 min

  3. APR 28

    33. Ocean Waves Visualization, Riding the Waves of Labor: Meditation for Pregnancy and Labor

    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 natural build and release of each contraction. You’ll be guided to breathe with the waves, not against them, allowing you to trust the rhythm of your body during birth. Ideal For: Preparing for labor, especially if you’re hoping for an unmedicated birthAnyone wanting to practice surrender and trust during pregnancyReducing fear or anxiety around contractions or labor sensationsBuilding a deeper mind-body connection before birthVisual learners who connect well to imagery and nature-based metaphorsFeatured Affirmations: 🌊 I trust my body. 🌊 I surrender to the rhythm of labor. 🌊 Each wave brings me closer to my baby. 🌊 I ride these waves with ease and confidence. Why This Meditation Is Beneficial The fear-tension-pain cycle can make contractions feel more overwhelming. By practicing how to breathe with each “wave” (instead of bracing against it), you’re training your mind and body to work with labor, not against it. This meditation offers: A natural rhythm to anchor your breathing during contractionsA mental framework to welcome sensations instead of fearing themAffirmations that build inner trust and strengthA calming, sensory-rich visualization to ground you in the present momentWhen to Use This Meditation During pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, as part of your labor prep routineAs part of your daily mindfulness practice to build resilienceIn early labor to establish a calm and steady breathing patternIn active labor (with headphones or a birth partner guiding you) to ride each contraction like a waveAnytime you’re feeling anxious or disconnected and need to re-centerSee FULL SHOW NOTES HERE. Follow me on Instagram here! Find more information on course offerings here. Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence. If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could share with a friend and leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm). As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

    7 min

  4. APR 24

    32. From Hyperemesis-Gravidarum to HypnoBirthing®: Vanessa’s Pregnancy & Birth Story with Special Guest Aly Romot (Part 1 of 2)

    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 Photographer. Aly teaches HypnoBirthing® and Evidence-Based Birth® childbirth education classes in Columbus, OH. She taught taught Vanessa and Brian HypnoBirthing® and became their private birth doula- helping them tap into the power of connection, language, and trust during pregnancy. Together, they explore the beauty of preparation, partner involvement, and informed decision-making in birthwork. 💛 This episode sets the stage for Part 2, where Vanessa will share her full birth story—including how labor began and what it felt like to finally meet her son. 🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00  Introduction to the Breath and Birth Co Podcast00:50  Vanessa’s Pregnancy Journey Begins (after endometriosis and infertility)02:58  Sharing the Pregnancy News with Friends and Family18:39  Coping with Severe Nausea & Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)23:30  Meeting Aly Romot & Joining Her HypnoBirthing® Class34:49  Partner Involvement in Childbirth Education36:19  Choosing a Birth Doula (and why it mattered)41:52  Using HypnoBirthing® Language & Mindset Tools47:40  Preparing for Labor and the Unknowns of Delivery51:55  Early Labor Signs & Heading to the Hospital01:00:13  To Be Continued… Vanessa’s Birth Story Coming in Part 2See full SHOW NOTES HERE. Follow me on Instagram here! Find more information on course offerings here. Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence. If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could share with a friend and leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm). As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

    1h 3m

  5. APR 22

    31. Golden Thread Breath: A Meditation for Pregnancy

    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 breathwork to help settle into stillness 🌀  A visualization of the golden thread to carry tension away 🌀  Gentle cues for softening and releasing throughout the body 🌀  Centering affirmations to deepen trust in your birth journey 🌀  A calming close to return you to your day with peace and clarity  Ideal For: 💛   Pregnant individuals preparing for labor 💛   Those seeking relief from stress or overwhelm during pregnancy 💛   Anyone wanting a short, soothing breathwork practice to feel more connected and grounded Featured Affirmations: ✨    I breathe in strength, I breathe out surrender. ✨    I soften, I open, I allow. ✨    Each exhale carries me deeper into relaxation. ✨    I am safe. I am supported. See full SHOW NOTES HERE. Follow me on Instagram here! Find more information on course offerings here. Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence. If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could share with a friend and leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm). As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

    7 min

  6. APR 17

    30. Navigating Nutrition for Fertility, Endometriosis, PCOS, and Pregnancy with Alyssa Broadwater, Registered Dietitian (RD)

    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 endometriosis and PCOS, and ways male partners can support during the fertility journey. Tune in to gain insights on optimizing health for pregnancy and beyond. 00:00 Introduction to the Breath and Birth Co Podcast00:47 Interview with Alyssa Broadwater: Nutrition for Pregnancy01:58 Alyssa's Journey into Fertility and Pregnancy Nutrition06:40 Misconceptions About Perinatal Nutrition09:57 Choosing the Right Prenatal Vitamins18:30 Preparing Your Body for Conception29:47 Managing PCOS and Endometriosis Through Nutrition37:41 Red Meat and Endometriosis38:47 Dairy and Inflammation: Quality Matters39:11 Environmental Toxins and Endometriosis39:46 Anti-Inflammatory Diet Tips40:27 Personal Journey: Eliminating Trigger Foods41:12 Soy and Processed Foods: A Hidden Culprit44:46 Reintroducing Foods: A Cautious Approach46:12 Gestational Diabetes: Alternative Testing Methods49:26 Male Fertility: Optimizing Health57:08 Resources for Fertility and Pregnancy58:40 The Importance of Real Food in Dietetics01:04:53 Generational Health: Influencing Future Generations01:06:31 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSee FULL SHOW NOTES HERE. Follow me on Instagram here! Find more information on course offerings here. Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence. If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could share with a friend and leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm). As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

    1h 8m

  7. APR 14

    29. Embracing Rest & Surrender: A Body Scan Meditation For Pregnancy

    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. 🧘‍♀️ Perfect for: Rest, relaxation, pregnancy anxiety, third trimester prep, connecting with baby 💛 Theme: Surrender & Trust — Honoring Your Body’s Wisdom ✨ Affirmation: “I honor my body and my baby. I surrender with love and ease.” 🎧 Press play when you need: •A mindful body scan for pregnancy •Support in softening physical and emotional tension •A grounding breath practice •A moment of deep connection with your body and baby Follow me on Instagram here! Find more information on course offerings here. Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence. If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could share with a friend and leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm). As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

    9 min

  8. APR 10

    28. Choosing an OBGYN with Confidence, with Daisy Vance (Birth Doula & Certified Breastfeeding Counselor)

    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 significance of seeking aligned and supportive care, including recommendations for additional resources like chiropractors, massage therapists, and supportive community groups. Join the conversation to feel informed, supported, and empowered on your pregnancy journey. 00:00 Introduction to the Breath and Birth Co Podcast00:47 Meet Daisy Vance: Certified Birth Doula02:01 Daisy's Journey into Birth Work04:27 Choosing the Right Care Provider06:22 The Importance of Asking Questions20:02 Building Your Birth Team24:02 Maximizing Your Prenatal Appointments24:44 The Beauty and Challenges of Pregnancy25:12 Preparing for Prenatal Appointments25:56 Communicating with Your Provider27:24 Switching Providers: Steps and Considerations29:20 Community Support and Resources32:03 Hospital Birth Realities34:59 Empowerment and Birth Preferences38:01 Books and Resources for Expecting Parents43:16 The Importance of Support45:14 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSee full SHOW NOTES HERE. Follow me on Instagram here! Find more information on course offerings here. Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence. If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could share with a friend and leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm). As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Breath & Birth Co Podcast — a space for mindful preparation and grounded transformation through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Hosted by Vanessa Bauman, Certified Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, and Prenatal Yoga, Breathwork, and Meditation Teacher, this podcast bridges evidence-based education with intuitive wisdom to help you feel informed, empowered, and at peace throughout your journey. Each episode invites you to pause, breathe, and learn through guided meditations, expert interviews, and real birth stories that nurture your mind-body connection and strengthen your confidence. Whether you’re preparing for your first birth, planning a VBAC, or seeking a calmer start to parenthood, you’ll find tools, stories, and support to help you cultivate calm, confidence, and connection every step of the way. (Educational content only; not a substitute for medical advice. Visit breathandbirthco.com/disclaimer for full details.) Keywords:  pregnancy podcastprenatal educationchildbirth educationevidence-based birthdoula tipsbirth storiespregnancy meditationprenatal yogamindfulness for pregnancylabor preparationbirth plan supportcalm birth techniquescesarean birth preparationhospital birth advocacybreathing exercises for laborrelaxation for pregnancypostpartum recovery tipsmind-body connectionbirth confidencepregnancy affirmations

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