Progressive Parenting

From Womb to World, the journey that shapes our life” Everything that happened before we took your very first breath, plays a part in shaping the present, and is the starting-point in creating our future. Participants will learn how conception, prenatal and birth experiences create lasting effects in all areas of our life, emotionally, physically, psychologically and relationally. By being able to identify these effects in their personal and professional lives doulas can play a major role in their clients' birth experiences and how babies are welcomed in to world consciously.

Guest Description:Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, PhD, IBCLC, FAPAKathleen Kendall-Tackett is a health psychologist, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and the Owner and Editor-in-Chief of Praeclarus Press, a small press specializing in women's health. Dr. Kendall-Tackett is Editor-in-Chief of the journal, Psychological Trauma and was Founding Editor-in-Chief of Clinical Lactation, a position she held for 11 years. She is Fellow of the American Psychological Association in Health and Trauma Psychology, Past President of the APA Division of Trauma Psychology, and a member of APA’s Publications and Communications Board, a committee that oversees all APA journals.Dr. Kendall-Tackett specializes in women's-health research including breastfeeding, depression, trauma, and health psychology, and has won many awards for her work including the 2019 President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Trauma Psychology from the American Psychological Association’s Division of Trauma Psychology.Dr. Kendall-Tackett has authored more than 470 articles or chapters and is author or editor of 39 books. Her most recent books include Depression in New Mothers, 3rd Edition (2017, Routledge UK), Women’s Mental Health Across the Lifespan (2017, Routledge US, with Lesia Ruglass), The Phantom of the Opera: A Social History of the World’s Most Popular Musical (2018, Praeclarus). She is editor of the Clinical Lactation Monograph series, which has 11 volumes including Breast and Nipple Pain, Milk Supply, and Tongue-Tie (Praeclarus).

My guest today:  Jatesha “Jaye” Madden-Wilson is a Mom, Serial Entrepreneur, Social Impact Speaker and Activist, Maternal Health Advocate and Self-sufficiency Coach. Her connection to maternal health advocacy began with her journey from womanhood to motherhood.   Through her own personal transitions from marriage to divorce, she redefined single motherhood by creating a community of support that changed the narrative of motherhood, sisterhood and womanhood with her women-empowerment organization, Melinated Moms. S​ he developed Melinated Moms to be the advocacy voice of women across the Melinated Spectrum. In the last three years, she has reached over 1,000 women worldwide and has created a reputation that is trusted for its authenticity in support and encouragement. She uses her experience in her professional career as a Community Health Nurse of 15+ years to amplify health and wellness of moms and women to lobby on the state and federal level. Jaye has created big strides in advocacy for women of color most notably with the First Lady and Governor of New Jersey as a public speaker for Nurture NJ with the Black Maternal Health crisis. She is proud to serve on the Preeclampsia Foundation as a Patient Advisory Council member as well as serve as a Community Pillar Leader. She is also an active member of their subsidiary workgroup with the Racial Disparities Task Force. In these positions she saw the importance of how community advocacy and engagement created better physical, emotional and mental health outcomes for its people. Jaye is the proud mother of 2 young girls, Nadiyah and Ava, who continue to move and motivate her to create a space where women's rights are acknowledged and not silenced. Today

Jessie Spivey is our guet today and we will be discussing lots of doula topics! and finding our crew, our people to help us on the journey of sitting at the feet of birth. More on Jessie from Jessie: I was born and raised in Sacramento, Ca. My mother is a Birthworker and inspired me to become a Doula. The vision behind the creation of The Doudad started with my desire to contribute to the decrease in the mortality rates of POC women and children. I want to make sure no one ever feels like an actual doodad…a “thing or unspecified gadget, device or part often used to describe something whose name one cannot recall”, during birth or the birthing process. In September 2020, I started an online web series for Black Breastfeeding week called “The Hot Chocolate Chronicles” that led into a spin-off called “Spilled Milk” which I host bi-weekly on IGTV. My current focus and studies are around Birth Doula work, I am working towards offering Childbirth Education, Herbalisim, Postpartum and Death Doula care to my practice as well. I enjoy music and art, cooking with my partner, Yoga and I love the beach.

Nici Shipway CD(DONA), is a mother of two, a certified birth doula and an experienced Surrogate. Nici has worked as a program director and CCO at two other Surrogacy agencies in Canada and in June 2020 opened her own Surrogacy agency named Hive Surrogacy. She has spoken at international Surrogacy conferences as well as planned and executed events around the world for both Intended Parents and Surrogates. These experiences along with supporting hundreds of people through the Surrogacy process have given Nici the opportunity to see how to support these journeys in the birthing room as well and have had the pleasure of supporting many Surrogacy births. Surrogacy, parenting and birth are some of her greatest passions and she is feeling very positive about the opportunity of finally blending all her passions into her lives work.

Sophie Messager has a PhD in physiology of reproduction and is a doula, perinatal educator and healer based in Cambridge, UK. Sophie left her native France in 1997 to pursue postdoctoral studies as a biology research scientist, in Aberdeen, Scotland, where she met her Hong Kong-born husband, Chi. They moved to Cambridge in 2001, had two children and Sophie retrained to be a doula, antenatal teacher and babywearing instructor. Sophie is a birth geek and knowledge junkie but has a more spiritual side too, so she also trained as a Reiki and Reiki Drum practitioner and teacher. Training and personal practice have led her to master a wide range of labour and postnatal comfort measures and skills, such as massage, rebozo, birth and postnatal healing rituals. Sophie teaches these skills to parents and birthworkers, individually, in workshops and online. Her work is a blend of traditional and scientific knowledge, and she also blogs on her website.Visit Sophie's website at www.sophiemessager.com to read her blog and to sign up to her free newsletter. Follow her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Sophie-Messager-335039466594357/ and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sophie_messager/

Alicia Fishbein is a wife, mom of 3 and birth and postpartum doula in the SF Bay Area.  She and her team of birth doulas work with expectant parents who want to step off the assembly line of birth and step into their power. They give parents the tools they need to have a positive, powerful, natural birth while sprinkling in a little fun and a lot of love.   Her team also works with new families who need help in the first weeks after baby’s birth.  They take care of mom, dad, baby and home---turning chaos into calm.   https://www.borndoulas.com/   -----   Alicia & Meredith, birth doulas and besties, have created a brand new program, Be Your Own Damn Doula, as a response to Covid-19. They believe that this time calls for every couple to learn how to doula themselves. So, they’ve taken everything they’ve learned from supporting hundreds of births, and distilled it into a super simple essential guide. They’ll show you how to be your own damn doula, and give birth confidently, comfortably, and safely.  https://www.borndoulas.com/be-your-own-damn-doula

Don't miss out! join Summer Forrest and I LIVE!   Serial Entrepreneur, Speaker, Storyteller and creator of The Anti-Supermom ~ Summer Forrest is in the business of transforming lives. She’s impacted the lives of thousands by sharing authentic, relatable stories around the topics of mindful business, financial and estate soundness, self-love, overcoming obstacles, manifestation, visualization, domestic violence, motherhood, and more... Summer is a force to be reckoned with, her energy is infectious, and if you get a chance to dial in, she might just change your life too.

Breastfeeding is not as simple as some folks think. It's not just about having a breast and a baby. There is a lot to know before starting on this journey. Join me and Ashley Pickett IBCLC as we discuss what you need to know that will help you form decisions and support you in your endeavor.  About Ashley, she assists parents in finding ways to meet a baby`s authentic sleep, feeding and parenting needs while still finding ways for the grown-ups to feel rested, find gratitude in the journey and to avoid feelings of overwhelm.Her main gig is working as an IBCLC (lactation consultant), which started in 2008 after her own breastfeeding journey with three kids. She had many challenges, and it was only the help she found at the Newman Clinic in Toronto that helped her nurse for many years! When her youngest was just 4 months old, she became a student at the International Breastfeeding Center, and is privileged to have more than 10 years of direct mentorship with Dr Jack Newman. She now works at the world renown Breastfeeding Clinic, the International Breastfeeding Center (IBC) in Toronto.

We are excited to be back on the air after a long break!  Join Ruby Powers and I as we discuss being a parent in politics and how you too can make a difference.    Ruby Powers is running for State Representative to make sure everyone in District 134 has a voice in the Texas state house. Here is more about her in her words:    About Ruby Powers I’ve spent my life serving my community, and I’m ready to take my experience to the Texas statehouse as your representative in Austin. I grew up in San Antonio, and spent my childhood on both sides of the border. My mother’s family was still in Mexico, and we’d go there regularly to see our grandparents. I never had health insurance as a child, so we would also go to see a doctor when we needed to get stitched up. Growing up, I always knew I’d have to create opportunity for myself. I put myself through college at UT, where I met my husband, Burak. After we got married, I decided to go to law school, where I specialized in immigration. As the daughter and wife of immigrants, I knew that I wanted to focus my career on helping people create opportunity for themselves. I opened my law firm, Powers Law Group, and started my family with Burak in House District 134. We’ve lived here for over a decade now, and we love our community. I would be honored to represent my neighbors in the Texas state house, and I hope to earn your vote.

Talking about divorce

How To Stop Beating Yourself Up In Your Parenting *Why Mamas Have A Hard Time Giving Up Guilt *The Shadow Side Of Conscious Parenting *How Feeling Like A “Good” Mom Can Lead To Acting Like A “Bad” Mom *Why Controlling Behavior Is a Bad Idea *How Emotional Baggage From Childhood Keeps Moms From Staying Present With Their Child Leslie Potter is the founder of Pure Joy Parenting, a joy based parenting model based on her experience raising her daughter as a single mom as well as working with families.   She supports parents in moving from a traditional fear-based model to a joy-based one focusing on relationship and healthy attachment. She is a co-author of Chaos to Connection: 9 Heart Centered Essentials for Parenting your Teen. Leslie is a Parent Coach with a background as a body centered therapist.  She has unschooled her daughter as well as supported her going back to school on her own terms as a homeshooler.   Her greatest love is hanging with other parents who are determined to challenge their conditioning and open to the wonder of parenting on their own terms.

Your moods affect you deeply. Find out info on how to get a handle on your moods using herbs.

Breast is not best and Breastfeeding doesn't make you smarter. In this segment International board Certified Lactation consultant and breastfeeding expert, Edith Kernerman admits breastmilk doesn't cure everything, . As she relates stories from the trenches in a world where money talks and breasts are silent. My guest is Edith Kernerman, she is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and clinician in Toronto, Canada,  who has seen thousands and thousands of babies and their families over the past 21 years. She was the co-founder and President of theInternational Breastfeeding Centre (IBC), co-founder and Clinic Director of the Newman Breastfeeding Clinic, (NBC), senior faculty at IBC’s Centre for Breastfeeding Studies, and an IBLCE pathway 3 mentor.  Kernerman speaks internationally at conferences on various clinical and ethical topics in lactation medicine.  She has co-developed “Beyond the 20 hr—Advanced Course In Lactation Medicine” a programme for healthcare professionals and she is the creator and founder of the International Meeting of the Minds, a forum for world experts to discuss issues in lactation medicine for which there have been controversial diagnoses and treatments.

Join me live as I discuss this not for profit's message and motive. On the show I will be joined by breastfeeding experts. Iam hoping to answer unanswered questions and get to the bottom of this groups message and what it means for families and breastfeeding.My guest are : *Jennifer Tow LLC,IBCLC, RLC, OMT has practiced holistic lactation for 18 years. Through her clinical experience, diligent research, she specializes in helping dyads with compromised gut health, functional restrictions and tongue-tie.  *Edith Kernerman is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and clinician in Toronto, Canada. She was the co-founder and President of the International Breastfeeding Centre (IBC), co-founder and Clinic Director of the Newman Breastfeeding Clinic, (NBC), senior faculty at IBC’s Centre for Breastfeeding Studies. *Ashley Pickett, IBCLC, is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in private practice. She also works as a part time staff member at the Newman Breastfeeding Clinic and Institute in Toronto.

Amy L. Gilliland, Ph.D., BDT(DONA), CD(DONA), CSE (AASECT) researches and teaches about doula labor support, women’s sexual experiences, and the psychological needs of mothers and fathers during the birth experience. She is an AASECT certified sexuality educator, a past member of the psychology faculty at Madison College, and one of the first DONA International birth doula trainers.  Over her twenty-five year career, her work has spanned the perinatal spectrum. Dr. Gilliland’s research has been published in JOGNN, Midwifery, Journal of Perinatal Education, Sexuality and Culture, and the Wisconsin Medical Journal.  She is considered to be a “thought leader” on birth doula issues through her influential blog, Doulaing The Doula.  For more information, please go to www.amygilliland.com.

In rural Costa Rica, a 95-year-old midwife passes on the wisdom of her craft to a new generation of women fighting for their right to choose how they give birth. I will be speaking with the film maker. Don't miss it!

We will be talking about the importance of research for the case of improving birth outcomes for families of color, and the why “Giving Voices to Mothers” of color is so important. And about Shafia's dream regarding the Ancestral Midwife Learning Institute (AMLI) in Alabama, and her work for supporting healthy families and a healthy world, more from the preconception and rites of passage angle.

Even women who want a homebirth and even unassisted births seem to have forgotton a lot or nver learend about what birth can truly be like. I talk with Margo Blackstone (AZ Midwife) about what we seem to have forgotten

Imagine a world where children talk to their parents about the changes in their bodies and their sexual desires instead of looking to media for their sex education. If you are interested in making this world a reality, you won't want to miss: Raising Kids Without Sexual Shame.My guest is Nekole Shapiro.

I will be chatting with Jane Austin easy to use yoga tools to support postpartum mamas... to reestablish core stability, vitality and sanity

I will be talking to filmakers on the ground live

Laurel Wilson, IBCLC, CLE, CCCE, CLD is Executive Director of Lactation Programs and Faculty for CAPPA, Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association. She recently acted as the Customer Advocate for InJoy Birth and Parenting, teaching webinars and producing podcasts for professionals for three years. She served as the Program Coordinator for Swedish Medical Center and Presbytarian St. Luke’s Medical Center in Colorado, which combined serve nearly 4000 expectant families a year.

Join me as I talk with Peggy O’Mara about this very important topic. Parents need to know what they aren't being told.  My guest Peggy O'Mara was the Editor and Publisher of Mothering Magazine from 1980 to 2011. In 1995 she founded mothering.com and was its editor-in-chief until 2012.

Sleep is such a huge topic when we talk about parenting. Iwill be speaking with Brandi Hadfield and the team from Bebo Mia about sleep, infants and what's normal and what parents can do.

Todays special show is all about what is happening in LA and how you can help ...This is from my guest I will have on in the morning: Thousands of families lost everything in the flood waters. They had to be evacuated in boats and leave everything behind. MotherBirth is in a unique position in which we have influence with people who could not sleep knowing a baby would go without food or a clean bottom. So, we started collecting diapers, wipes and formula. It is specific. It is important. And it makes a difference in the lives of moms and babies.It's overwhelming the number of people in need, the number of different needs, and the distance in which this devastation is.  Within a matter of one day, the donations were pouring in and the emergency needs were being reported all over social media. MotherBirth mobilized and began to connect the needs with the help. We've had organizations, churches, businesses and generous individuals partner with us to maximize these efforts. We are merely the conduit for the help to get to those in need that is being provided by our community and others around the country. It is overwhelming, heart breaking and at the same time our hearts swell with pride and gratitude over all of the goodness in this world that is still left. We're honored to be a small part of the help in our community. We pray our efforts make a difference to parents who have found themselved in a tragic situation, and they feels loved and supported by their community. We know we'll never meet them and don't do any of this for recognition.

For years people have come to me when they find a friend or a relative has a child with a diagnosis of Down Syndrome. They have come to me because they know my daughter Uma, (now 10 years old) has Down Syndrome. I am happy to say I am FINALLY doing a show on this topic.  My guest today Jen Jacob she is the co-founder and Vice President for the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org). As a part of her role, she creates, moderates and manages small, online groups for thousands of new and expectant parents and oversees day to day organizational operations. Jen is also the co-author of "The Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome: Advice, Information, Inspiration, and Support for Raising Your Child from Diagnosis through Adulthood" and the author and a contributor for "Unexpected, Stories of a Down syndrome diagnosis" (www.missiont21.com). A former educator and professional development leader, she lives in the midwest with her husband and four children; her youngest son, Owen, has Down syndrome.

Dr. Stuart Fischbein, MD OB/GYN has been in private practice of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Southern California since 1986.  He graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1982. He has a long history of support for Midwives and the alternative to the medical model of birth they provide.

Joining me today is Courtney Sirmon. Courtney is the Central Alabama Regional Director of Alabama Birth Coalition as well as a DONA International Birth Doula and Certified Lactation Counselor. For over five years, Courtney has served growing families through pregnancy, birth. postpartum & breastfeeding support. She believes strongly in “mothering the mother” and has personally and professionally seen the benefits of the midwifery model of care. Growing up in rural south Alabama, Courtney is passionate about rural access to maternity care. She is the proud mother of three young children.

Debra Pascali-Bonaro, B.Ed., LCCE, PDT/BDT(DONA) is the Founder & President of Pain to Power Childbirth Experience, Director of the award-winning documentary Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret  and co-writer of “Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying and Pleasurable Birth” all of which  explore the intimate and sacred nature of birth. Debra is an inspirational international speaker, chair of the International MotherBaby Childbirth Initiative, Advisor to Human Rights in Childbirth and ICEA.  Debra’s passion comes from her years as a  Lamaze International childbirth educator, and birth and postpartum doula trainer with DONA International where she has worked with women, men, midwives, doulas and physicians in over 30 countries bringing comfort, love and pleasure to birth and life!

Today I will be speaking with Alice Turner of Your Doula Bag. Com and we will be discussing the business of being a doula.  About my guest: Alice is on a mission to support doulas. Her focus over the past seven years has been on products, services and education for doulas. The world needs great doulas who have thriving businesses and she's here to help. Join us for a lively discussion!

I will be speaking with bestselling author, doula, and founder of the Joy In Birthing Foundation Giuditta Tornetta. She just released the highly anticipated follow up to Painless Childbirth.  Tornetta’s second book promises to be as intensive as the first and delivers with the same in-depth knowledge and compassionate guidance she has become known for worldwide.  Tornetta’s first book encouraged mothers to go on a transformational journey through pregnancy and birth to obtain the birthing experience they deserved and desired. Now Conversation with the Womb is inspiring women to use their creative feminine power to awaken to their full potential, and act as co-creative agents to manifest the life they covet. “With this book we were looking to utilize the techniques used in Painless Childbirth to encompass the many phases of womanhood, not just pregnancy and birth,” writes Tornetta.  “We’ve taken all the knowledge generated from our series of international workshops and condensed it into one book.”  Fully-loaded with hands-on exercises and heart-felt stories Conversations With The Womb goes beyond your run of the mill self-help book and elevates itself as a truly transformational experience. The author’s passion is that contagious. It is with this grand capacity for imagination Tornetta envisions the rediscovery of the immense creative force of the womb. CNN Hero & bestselling author Robin Lim writes of Tornetta’s new book, "[Giuditta] rendered her trailblazing idea into a book that is at once practical, and a wildly esoteric page-turner."

My guest today is Katleen Kendall Tacket  Kathleen Kendall-Tackett is a health psychologist and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She is the Owner and Editor-in-Chief of Praeclarus Press, a small press specializing in women’s health. Dr. Kendall-Tackett is a Research Associate at the Crimes against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire, Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Texas Tech University School of Medicine in Amarillo, Texas. She is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association in both the Divisions of Health and Trauma Psychology, Editor-in-Chief of U.S. Lactation Consultant Association’s journal, Clinical Lactation, and is President-Elect of the American Psychological Association’s Division of Trauma Psychology.

Join me as I interview Jesusa Ricoy Olariaga about the Roses Revolution. They want to stop obstetric violence by bringing attention to it. Obstetric violenc is the act of disregarding the authority and autonomy that women have over their own sexualities, their bodies, their babies and their birth experiences. It is also the act of disregarding the spontenaity, the positions the rythms and the times that labor requires in order to progress normally when there is no need for intervention. It also the act of disregarding the emotional needs of mother and baby throughout the whole labor process.  Don't miss this interview

Brandi Jordan, MSW, IBCLC For the past decade, Brandi has been helping new families grow, adjust, and find balance. Brandi is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Pediatric Sleep Specialist, Newborn Care Specialist and a Certified Postpartum Doula. She holds a BA in Child Development and a Master's of Social Work from USC.  In 2009, she opened The Cradle Company Parenting Center and Boutique, a Los Angeles resource center for parents. Brandi's work as a consultant, group leader, and in-home practitioner has lead her to to develop a unique philosophy of parenting, fondly named Practical Parenting™, a pragmatic, practical and healthy approach for the "whole" family

"How can we balance our enjoyment of social media with our yearning to connect in our own home, eye to eye with our children, to model this for them so that they don’t practice a way of seeing that doesn’t require them to look up?" This is an excerpt from an article by Lu Hanessian. Lu is an award-winning writer and science journalist, educator, author of acclaimed book "Let the Baby Drive: Navigating the Road of New Motherhood" (St. Martin's Press, 2004), former NBC anchor/host (Real Life;Unsolved Mysteries) and Discovery Health Channel host of Make Room for Baby and Total Family Health, and active speaker. For five years, she hosted The Science Show, syndicated in 110 countries, translated into 17 languages. In 2012-13, Lu co-hosted an educational television program in NYC called Liberty Treehouse. She is a frequent guest contributor on FOX5 Live in New York as an education and parenting author, expert and advocate. Lu's essays and articles have been published in The New York Times,Mothering, Parenting, Fit Pregnancy and Redbook. She has been a guest on The View, CNN, NPR, FOX, MSNBC, Life & Style, the Today Show, WABC and more.She is an award-winning newspaper columnist.

For two decades Jane has worked with mamas, not only as a yoga teacher but also as a midwife, doula (labor assistant) and childbirth educator. Informed by years of experience working in the field of women’s health, she is uniquely suited to instruct yoga to women as they transition into motherhood.   Jane is the founder and director of Mama Tree, a Yoga Alliance registered school dedicated to training yoga teachers, birth professionals and other health professionals interested in teaching prenatal and postnatal yoga. As a certified yoga teacher and a registered yoga teacher trainer through Yoga Alliance, Jane’s teacher training program attracts students from all over the world interested in learning how to utilize the practice of yoga to support pre- and postnatal women physically, mentally and emotionally. She also teaches the Yoga in Pregnancy component of many yoga teacher training schools including Yoga Tree in San Francisco. By training teachers, it is her hope to make yoga assessable to any mama that wants to experience the benefits of this ancient and powerful tradition. It is Jane’s mission to offer women a mindful, supportive and nourishing yoga practice that empowers them not only in pregnancy and childbirth but for all the years of motherhood that follow.

I love what Dr. Michel Odent says about our guest: "Sarah Buckley is precious, because she is bilingual. She can speak the language of a mother who gave birth to her four children at home. She can also speak like a medical doctor. By intermingling the language of the heart and the scientific language she is driving the history of childbirth towards a radical and inspiring new direction."

My guest today is RIANE EISLER a social and systems scientist, attorney, and author whose work on cultural transformation has inspired both scholars and social activists. Her groundbreaking research has impacted many fields, including history, economics, psychology, sociology, education, and healthcare. She has been a leader in the movement for peace, sustainability, and economic equity, and her pioneering work in human rights has expanded the focus of international organizations to include the rights of women and children. She is president of the Center for Partnership Studies (CPS), dedicated to research and education on social and economic transformation; co-founder of CPS’s Caring Economy Campaign and, with Nobel Peace laureate Betty Williams, of the Spiritual Alliance to Stop Intimate Violence (SAIV); and Editor in Chief of the Interdisciplinary Journal of Partnership Studies, an online peer-reviewed journal housed at the University of Minnesota that was inspired by Eisler’s work.

My guest is Dr Adrienne Carmack, her work on birth rights-rights to genital autnonmy, which in the U.S. are mostly issues for boys and intersex children, the right to natural birth, the right to conscientious decision-making on vaccinations and the right to breastfeed. Although medical technology has advanced tremendously and she has seen lives saved, Dr Carmack has also witnessed harm after harm arising from “preventive” measures (such as prostate cancer (PSA) screening and newborn circumcision) and treatments (such as medications and elective surgeries). Though these interventions all have appropriate roles, using them before trying less risky alternatives, such as lifestyle modifications, can expose you to unnecessary risks and fail to address the underlying causes, which may lead to other illnesses later.

Mindful parenting can start in your pregnancy. Join us today as we discuss what it means to be mindful and how being mindful can affect your parenting and your relationships with others.  My guest is Abby Bordner. I am excited to have Abby on the show, I've been a big fan for years.  Abby’s background is in medical settings, community education and entrepreneurship. She currently has many online and in person projects for the non profit sector and her private business. Certified Labor Doula and Lactation Educator (CAPPA): Abby works with families in pregnancy education, labor support, birth advocacy and postpartum. She provides home visits, as well as teaches to groups, to assist in childbirth preparation and breastfeeding. Certified Childbirth Educator (ICEA): Abby teaches childbirth preparation in a relatable, intelligent way. She provides information and inspires transformation for all who experience her presentation.

My guest tonight is Elly Taylor.  Elly is a leading parenthood researcher, international speaker and author. Her passion is teaching parents and professionals about the stages of early parenthood so our new families can thrive – right from the beginning.

I will be discussing infant and maternal mortality, disparities in maternal healthcare with the amazing Jennie Joespeh.    Jennie Joseph is a British-trained midwife, a women’s health advocate, the founder and executive director of Commonsense Childbirth Inc. and the creator of The JJ Way®. She moved to the United States in 1989 and began a journey that has culminated in the formation of an innovative maternal child healthcare system, markedly improving birth outcomes for women in Central Florida. Jennie has worked extensively in European hospitals, American birth centers, clinics and homebirth environments. She has been instrumental in the regulation of Florida midwives since the 1990’s and has been involved in midwifery education since 1995. She is the chair of Florida’s State Council of Licensed Midwives. Currently she owns a Florida licensed midwifery school attached to The Birth Place, her nationally renowned birth center and maternity medical home in Winter Garden, Florida. I am pleased and honored to have her on the show

Gena had originally had Randy Patterson of Pro Doula scheduled for today, but a run of stomach virus has caused Gena to have to reschedule. In it's place we are replaying Gena's favorite interview with the late Dr. Marsden Wagner. Here is the information from when we last replayed the show: Dr.Marsden Wagner will be our very special guest on Progressive Parenting. We will be discussing the safety of home birth, and informed choice. He spent 15 years Director, Women's and Children's Health, World Health Organization (responsible for Women's and Children's Health in 45 industrialized countries). He's been in many documentaries including, PREGNANT IN AMERICA, THE BUSINESS OF BEING BORN, and ORGASMIC BIRTH. He's also the author of BORN IN THE USA:How a Broken Maternity System Must Be Fixed to Put Women and Children First. I am so excited to have him on the show as he is an inspiration to myself and so many other mother and baby advocates. We are also speaking with Lisa Gartin RN, she is a pediatric nurse, doula, childbirth educator and mother of four children.  THIS IS EPISODE IS A REPLAY FROM WHEN WE HAD A SHOW ON AN AM STATION! SO NO LIVE CALLS TONIGHT (SORRY). Any questions about this show can be sent to progressiveparentingradio@gmail.com

Tonight I will be speaking with Rhea Dempsey, we will be discussing what it takes to give birth with confidence. We will talk about normal physiological birth and pain. Join us live to share stories ask questions or Fan girl over Rhea, goodness knows it will be hard for me not to... About Rhea Dempsey An educator, speaker, author and birth attendant (doula) with experience at over 1,000 births, Rhea Dempsey is a respected birth practitioner with a reputation as one of the foremost thinkers on the topic of working with pain in childbirth and its connection to normal physiological birthing. With three adult daughters of her own and two grandchildren, Rhea’s understanding of birth has been gained during 36 years working with women in home and hospital settings. Rhea is a highly sought after speaker and presenter at conferences, seminars and workshops on birth and counselling issues. She regularly addresses pregnant women, their partners and support people; complementary health practitioners; midwives and medical practitioners.

My guest today is Kimberly Durdin IBCLC, SMW. She has been supporting families as a La Leche League Leader and Breastfeeding Peer Counselor for the WIC program in Brooklyn, NY over 23 years ago and as a doula. She was part of the BLESS Project (Breastfeeding Lactation Education Support Services) at historic Howard University Hospital in creating their first ever lactation clinic providing 24 hour lactation services free of charge for HUH families. Before leaving D.C., Kimberly was named one of the Top Lactation Consultants in the area by Washington Families Magazine. Kimberly worked as a LC for the Watts Healthcare Corporation 5 site WIC Program after moving to Los Angeles, where she trained staff, oversaw breastfeeding peer counselors, and provided one on one LC care for families throughout South LA. In 2009, She joined the groundbreaking company The Sanctuary Birth & Family Wellness Center, and acted as the Director of Lactation Services and created The Sanctuary New Moms Group, a popular and powerful community space for new mothers that she has lead weekly, as well as conducting childbirth education curriculum for out of hospital birthing families. She taught this class twice a week as well as a program for hospital birthing families she created entitled Enhanced Pregnancy. She has been an LC for twelve years and has begun teaching a 45-hour Lactation Consultant Exam Prep Course, as well as mentoring IBCLC candidates. Kimberly recently stepped out on her own, attending births as a Student Midwife and Doula, expanding her role as a birth and breastfeeding advocate, speaker and organizer. She has recently signed on to be the “Expecting and New Parent Expert” at WellBaby Center which hosts her weekly Mom’s support group The Mama Tent. The topic we will be broaching today is the New York Times article by Eleanor Davis: Over Selling Breast-Feeding.

Former obstetrician and childbirth pioneer Michel Odent argues that the aspect of human lifestyle that has been most profoundly changed in recent decades is the period of time surrounding the birth of a child. Since this formative time is considered critical in defining our species, Homo sapiens, fundamental changes in this area should herald significant evolution in regard to how babies are born. This, surely, should be at the heart of our discussions of the future, even above considerations of how humanity and planet earth interact. This interview will prove to be thought provoking and eye opening. Join us live or listen to the archived recording. Live listeners can call in and ask our guest questions live.  Michel Odent, MD, has been in charge of the surgical unit and the maternity unit at the Pithiviers (France) state hospital (1962–1985) and is the founder of the Primal Health Research Centre (London). He is the author of the first articles in the medical literature about the initiation of lactation during the hour following birth and of the first article about use of birthing pools.He created the Primal Health Research Data Base

We will be discussing the risks of birth natural and otherwise

According to current guidlines vaginal breech delivery is still a reasoinable option but doctors are no longer taught it and most dont offer it. Today I will be talking to Dr. Elliott Berlin Director of TRIAL OF LABOR. Dr. Elliot Berlin is an award winning prenatal chiropractor, childbirth educator and labor support bodyworker. Dr. Berlin works with several hundred breech babies each year, most of whom turn into the ideal pre-birth position once normal function is restored to the mothers low back and pelvis.  Dr. Berlin, a labor support doula, also attends birth, providing the laboring mother with bodywork such as massage, reflexology, acupressure, counter pressure, and chiropractic adjustments to help keep mom relaxed, comfortable and focused and in ideal mind and body condition for smooth, uncomplicated labor and delivery.  Dr. Berlin attends labor at hospitals, home and birthing centers and can be instead of or addition to a traditional labor doula.

Join me and Anna Graybill Van Wagoner as we discuss the EXCITING upcoming BirthKeeper Summit in Berkeley California.

Today I will be talking to Sherry Payne. She will be walking across the state of Missouri along the Katy Trail to bring attention to the invisible epidemic of African-American infant mortality- babies dying prior to their first birthday. Here in the US, Black babies die at twice the rate of their Caucasian counterparts. The reason for this is very complex but we must increase awareness of the problem to increase our efforts at solutions. She will be walking for 12 days across our state (200 miles along the Katy Trail from Kansas City to St. Louis) and talking to lots of groups and organizations as I cross the state.

Last week, Utah press reported that grandmother midwife Vickie Sorensen had been jailed and charged with manslaughter for a stillbirth or neonatal death that occurred in December 2012.  The press reported that Vickie's home had been raided by armed police with cadaver dogs the year before, on an allegation that she was burying dead babies in her backyard.  The press failed to mention that there were no dead babies in the backyard, and it failed to comment on the affect such a raid had on the Sorensen family, and the Utah midwifery community in general.   TODAY Gena will interview Human Rights in Childbirth founder Hermine Hayes-Klein and midwifery activist Katie McCall about the legal treatment of home birth midwives like Sorensen.  How does the treatment of home birth midwives affect women's right to choose for home birth?  What are the human rights implications of the difference between what doctors face after a bad maternity care outcome, and what midwives face?

My guest is Ariel Gore of  HIP MAMA MAGAZINE. This months cover went viral before the issue hit news stands. But that's just it. The issue didn't hit news stands because of the cover. Which depicts a woman nursing with out a top/blouse/shirt her child (who happens to be 4). Vendors refused to sell the magazine.  Join us live as we discuss Americas double standard when it comes to breasts, censorship and breastfeeding.

My guest will be Jennifer Margulis, Ph.D., Senior Fellow at the Schuster Institute for Investigative Journalism at Brandeis University, is an award-winning travel, culture, and parenting writer. She is the author of The Business of Baby: What Doctors Don’t Tell You, What Corporations Try to Sell You, and How to Put Your Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby BEFORE Their Bottom Line. She is a former contributing editor at Mothering magazine and her writing has appeared in many of the nation’s most respected and credible publications, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, and on the cover of Smithsonian Magazine. Today we will be discussing everything you never knew about how the functions and how to care for a newborn one! I was speaking with some expectant women recently and they were saying they wished there was somewhere to go to ask the questions they were afraid to ask in public. Well, here it is!  Join us live to call in and ask questions or join the live chat room!

A couple in Port Orford Oregon have started a petition asking Target Stores to  "Stop ifying infant girls with "sexy" pacifiers". There seems to be two camps of parents out there; Those that agree vehemently with this petition and those who think this couple is making a mountain out of a molehill.  I will be speaking with Melissa Wardy, author of Redifining Girly Thursday afternoon at 1:30pm EST about this and the sexualization of infants girls and young women in our culture.

My guest is Hector Cruz a concerned dad and in my book, a rock star: Here is a note from him all about his amazing project! Tune in live, call us with questions and comments! Project: Breastfeeding is my goal of helping to destigmatize public breastfeeding, and I believe education is where it all starts. New fathers need education about the benefits of breastfeeding and how much of a significant role they actually play in establishing a great breastfeeding relationship between the mother and child. I want women to feel empowered and determined to do what is the most natural thing for themselves and for their child and to have their husbands as their biggest supporters would just be the perfect finale. Society needs to change and accept breastfeeding as normal! That is the ultimate goal of Project: Breastfeeding. I also am motivated to get this journey to a national level and be successful enough to the point of having billboards with the photos of real moms nursing their babies while the daddy stands proud by her side. I am thriving to have these images all over major cities in the United States of America in hopes that the images will serve as a visual reminder that breastfeeding is natural and beautiful and will break down the stigma of public breastfeeding. . Lastly, I want to turn this project into a non-profit establishment that will offer breastfeeding support classes to fathers. As husbands, we want to be there for our wives and our children, but sometimes we don’t know where to start. I want women to know that their husbands are here to support, empower, and help them on their breastfeeding journey.

Robin Grille is the author of Parenting for a Peaceful World and Heart to Heart Parenting.  He is coming to the United States for a Parenting for a Peaceful World Tour in December.    Robin Grille is a father, a psychologist in private practice with twenty years' experience, and a parenting educator. His articles on parenting and child development have been widely published in Australia and overseas. Robin's first book: 'Parenting for a Peaceful World' (2005) has received international acclaim and led to speaking engagements around Australia, USA and New Zealand. 'Heart to Heart Parenting' (ABC Books) is Robin's second book. A passionate speaker and social change activist, Robin's extensive research has led him to feel that improved attention to babies' and children's emotional needs is the most powerful way to move societies toward sustainability and peace.   Join us live Tuesday night at 9pm CST call in with questions or to share your experience

Giving Austin Labor Support (GALS) brings another exciting documentary to the Austin community. BREASTMILK is the latest film from Executive Producers Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein, the creative minds behind The Business of Being Born (2008). Why do breasts and breastfeeding excite such interest, controversy, rage and passion? Breastfeeding has made a lot of headlines lately – from the controversial photo on the cover of Time magazine toWhoopi Goldberg’s public bashing of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, to military moms being criticized for breastfeeding in uniform.  Our society is enamored with “baby bumps” but what follows the birth is a different, slightly messier story. Lactose intolerance takes on a whole new meaning as it relates to women, their breasts and their milk.  The act of breastfeeding has been immortalized by great artists all over the world, so why are we disturbed by contemporary images of women nurturing children? Why do we have to struggle to normalize this human mammalian behavior?  Join us as I speak with Karli Heatherington of Gals and Krisdee & Gail of

"Even though recovery is a major part of, most women just do not plan for it. It is, therefore, no coincidence that post-pregnancy disorders are the most common complication after childbirth. Thus, the well being and healthy recovery of a woman after childbirth should be just as important of a priority, as taking care of a newborn child." These words are from Valerie Lynn's book The Mommy Plan. Tonight we will discuss natural ways to care for oneself post partum. What happens when we don't and why as a cuture we really haven't/do not.

Haunted Mamas: Healing the Heartbreak of a Traumatic Birth? Tonight my guest will be Christy Diane Farr. Traumatic births leave wounds -- some more subtle than others -- that leave new moms feeling disconnected from themselves and the people they love. Broken hearts need the courage and resources to heal in preparation for, and also through, childbirth. Recognizing and honoring previous birth trauma nurtures a woman's trust and confidence in you, and perhaps most importantly, within herself. Christy Farr of Seeds and Weeds Coaching and I will spend this hour exploring ways that moms and those who support them can work together to cultivate the healing they need and desire.

Everyone’s Nightmare: The Dark Side of Sports  News reports uncovering more than 10 alleged sexual abuse or assault cases per month involving athletes or coaches highlight the fact that the story of sexual aggression in sports is far from over.  These alarming incidents raise questions about underlying causes and other types of sexually deviant and aggressive behaviors that silently thrive within insulated athletic teams beginning in high school.   While this information is certain to shock, raise awareness, and provide a wake-up call for those in and outside of the sports world, Dr. Pappas also discusses a course of action for preventing these harmful behaviors while promoting personal and team excellence in the process.

Agh! We cringe when we hear these words, yet what do they mean and how can the power dynamic shift? In this radio show, we'll have a relationship focused counselor, Elly Taylor, wax eloquent on this topic all the way from Sydney, Australia. She authored a book called Becoming Us, and together we'll explore what is going on for a dad and mom when "He won't let me do it" applies to birth choices.

Tonight my guest is Michelle Gober, she is a midwife and birth activist. She attended the 2nd Annual Birth Activist Retreat in Utah, and is a volunteer for the U.S. Human Rights in Childbirth Legal Defense Network.  She received her midwifery training in the controversial birth states of Arizona and North Carolina.She initiated fundraising efforts for Rowan Bailey's bail and legal defense.   Later in the program we will be joined by Hermine Hayes-Klein an Attorney and the director of the Bynkershoek Research Center for Reproductive Rights (RCRR) at the Bynkershoek Institute in The Hague. In 2012 she organized a conference on Human Rights in Childbirth in The Hague, along with a team of volunteers. The conference and the issues it addressed were memorialized in the documentary Freedom for Birth.   We will be discussing the ultimate responsibility of the parents, the rights of the birthing mother and the persecution of midwives and more. Please join us live or in the chat room.&n

Unless you've been hiding out on hiatus from the media you will most likely have heard about Miley Cyrus recent choices. Recently Be a Man University recently wrote a story on this entitled: WHO IS LOOKING OUT FOR MILEY CYRUS. There were lots of people on both sides of this topic. I am looking forward to talk to the BAM group Rob Tremp, Dae Sheridan and Scott Merrit. Join us live at 7pm pst

Tonight our Show starts off with 3 Dads and a Doc from BE A MAN UNIVERSITY they are writing a book and creating a MOVEMENT for fathers who want more positive and meaningful interactions with their daughters! Their mission: To become the greatest Dad generation in history! After wards I get to chat with Brian Salmon! He's a dude-la in San Antonio Texas Helping mamas and their families during an exciting and sometimes scary part of life, BIRTH!

Losing a child is traumatic, tragic and earth shattering. What happens when you become pregnant again?  My guests grappling this topic will be Heidi Faith of Stillbirthday.com  and Franchesca Cox author of Celebrating Pregnancy Again, she started an online magazine for contributors to write pieces about their journeys. It's called Still Standing Magazine.

Join me as I speak with Courtney Jarecki of Home Birth Cesarean. While the percentage of women who go from having a homebirth to a cesarean is small, their stories are nonetheless powerful, meaningful and important. Until now, no one has gathered and shared these stories, leaving many HBC moms to feel as their birth experiences don’t matter, and creating a vacuum their stories would otherwise fill. Just as HBC mothers often find themselves estranged from the homebirth community, many midwives and birth workers are at a loss as to how best support these women and their families. The name Homebirth Cesarean originated as a way for women to distinguish their birth from the existing categories that didn’t apply. These women spent nine-months preparing for a homebirth and the spirit and homebirth philosophies still apply to their birth.HBC mothers quickly understood the name distinction, and the ways that language can both empower and set limits

What? He won't change the diapers?! Why dads drop the ball, a 45 min radio show finding solutions to uninvolved dads. Join Joe Valey of EMPOWERED PAPA live! Call in with your comments or questions at (921) 889-2492 Joe valley is a psychotherapist and educator working to support the dads role in birth. He helps birth professionals and moms understand a dad's unique experience, and he provides support to dads for their important role.

Tonight my guests will be Anna Van Wagoner and Kirsti Kreutzer of the Birth Activist retreat. Join us live!  from their site: It is time for a full scale birth revolution!  The time for talking is long past.  Our maternal and infant mortality rates are not going down.  Our surgical birth rate is not going down.  Birth trauma and birth rape are far too common. We need action now!   The Birth Activist Retreat is not your typical conference where folks sit around passively consuming information.  We will be working as a group planning actions that will make a difference:  Nationally coordinated events, such as the Improving Birth Rallies; local events that can transform communities; and individual actions that will raise awareness about the challenges we face.   There will be workshops where Birth Activists can build the skills they need to make a difference.   There will be many opportunities to network with other activists, share inspiring ideas and receive feedback on the unique issues facing your community.

My guest is the Author of THE BUSINESS OF BABYWhat Doctors Don't Tell You, W

Birth and breastfeeding have become far too clinical and cerebral. Women possess an internal knowledge that surpasses intellectual understanding of our bodies. It is our personal goal to support women in accessing that feminine knowing that allows us to trust our bodies, trust our breasts, trust our babies and trust ourselves. I will talk to  The Producers:Jennifer Davidson RN BSN IBCLC and Chantal Molnar RN MA IBCLC about their film The Milky Way. This film shows how women can reclaim their birthright and restore the nursing mother archetype. More than a breastfeeding promotion film, this is a film by, for, and about women. It is about the knowledge that inherently resides in every woman, how to access that knowledge and how to trust what we already know. It is a film that will inspire women to say, “I can do that!” “I want to do that!

My guest is the Author of THE BUSINESS OF BABYWhat Doctors Don't Tell You, What Corporations Try to Sell You, and How to Put Your Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby Before Their Bottom Line She's had some harsh critiques on her tellling of how our children are exploited. There is a very real business happening and we will discuss it tonight. I hope you will call in or join us in the chat room.

Roanna is an the author of the Amazon Bestseller, Cut, Stapled, & Mended: When One Woman Reclaimed Her Body and Gave Birth on Her Own Terms After Cesarean, an award-winning international speaker, co-founder and host of Birth Plan Radio, and the executive action chair of Human Rights in Childbirth and most importantly, a mother. In her not-so-humble opinion, the latter makes her a true birth expert. “While I’m grateful for the incredible support I’ve received from both doctors and midwives, the vast majority of births, like every other bodily function, are best managed by the body in question. It’s time to put women’s needs, feelings, and intuition back in the center of the birth process. Women are the rock-stars of birth; professionals are the backup singers.”

Join me tonight as I speak with the dynamic and intriguing host of Being MomTV! WAIT! Stay with me this is NOT tv the way you may be thinking...BEING MOM with Sarah Ripard is an entirely different television talk show hybrid that delves in the realities of what it means to BE a parent and caregiver in the 21st century. Given the complexities of our changing world, are we RAISING mentally and emotionally balanced, compassionate, thriving human beings? Regardless of how you define your family unit, whether you are a new parent or already have children, BEING MOM is the go-to show for how we approach and resolve everyday situations. Join us tonight, call in or join our live chat, it's gonna be fun!

Today my guest is Cyd Ropp. she has a Ph.D. in rhetorical Theory and Criticism from the University of Memphis. Today we will talk about the differences between midwifery and obstetrics and how it's oxymoronic to charge midwives with practicing medicine. We will also talk about intuition and prudential reasoning vs. logic and protocols. While we are at it we are going to tackle this thought: that all women should think of this as a "pro-choice" topic--why should pro-choice only mean abortion? Can't we coopt the phrase for homebirth? (do you think that's too controversial? Would Christians want to be "pro-choice" for homebirth? Can live and let live extend to everyone's womb? It's gonna be a good one!

Tonight I will be speaking with the women of Doula Trainings International. We will be discussing their upcoming retreat and all things birth, doula and juicy!

On Friday we hoped to speak live with Rowan Bailey, a birth advocate in North Carolina, where midwives are literally criminalized and Homebirth is virtually prohibited because mothers are forced to choose hospital birth or unassisted birth. We hoped to talk to Rowen from jail, where she was taken because she assisted a mother in excercising her own human right to birth her baby where she chose. Unfortunately she was unable to contact us during the live progra. I was able to talk to an attorney during the program, Hermine Hays-Klein. We also spoke with Leigh, Rowans wife.

In tonight's special show we are covering breaking news. Republican Representative Debbie Riddle said yesterday in a Facebook post: House Bill 1706 was brought before a House Committee today – it is about breast feeding. Now, I am all in favor of breast feeding – however it is important for women to be modest while feeding their baby – and most women are modest and respectful. But, a bill that would allow for law suits if one “interfered” with a woman breast feeding is really going a bit far. If a business owner objects to a woman who is not being modest then be fearful of a law suit is government out of control. Most of our laws and bills being considered for law would not be necessary if people would simply be considerate and thoughtful of others. Needless to say – I am not supporting this bill. I will be discussing this with Sara Chana Silverstein IBCLC-RH. This statement has caused quite a lot of furror on the internet. Pitting moms against one another..

On tonights show I will be speaking with Christy Diane Farr. She is a life coach and this is her 9th appearance on our show. We will be discussing chaos in our lives, spring cleaning, and simplifying your life. Christy is an author a teacher and entrpreneur . She helps overwhelemed people learn to cultivate healing and personal freedom through in-depth self-discovery, self-acceptance and integrity alignment.

Tonight I will be speaking with Jennifer Rue McLellan of Plus Size Birth. She will share 3 ways to help achieve a healthy plus size pregnancy and empowered birth. "With 60% of women in their childbearing years being classified as overweight or obese, it’s time we start empowering rather than shaming women of size."

My guest tonight is, Lyssa Armenta she has been the happy proud mother to her son, Sterling, who was born in 1999, daughter, Samantha, who joined in 200wife of Chris since 1997 and the proud mother to her son, Sterling, who was born in 1999, daughter, Samantha, who joined in 2002 and son, Spencer, who completed the family in 2007. Lyssa loves to problem solve and her career as an author began as she felt the deep need to share her Dancing Method that she perfected after a decade to get her kids to sleep. Her passion is to keep improving the quality of life of her family and others and truly believes Gentle Goodnight can do that for babies and their moms!Her book Gentle Goodnight will guide you through a step-by-step sleep method that will have your baby or toddler to sleep in less than 25 minutes.

Sara Chana Silverstein is a Brooklyn-based, international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), classical homeopath, herbalist, businesswoman, wife and mother of seven children. Sara is your teacher and guide as you navigate the challenging worlds of working mom and/or breastfeeding mother, revealing the secrets to taking charge of your own health for the wellbeing of both you and your child. She is a highly sought-after public speaker, presenting an array of topics in an intelligent, compelling, funny, provocative, and exciting way. On tonights show Gena will be talking with Sara about Winter Colds and the flu. How to avoid them and what to do if you get sick...without using conventional medicine!

Tonight I am thrilled to talk with Anni Daulter mother author (of six books)  and game changer. She is starting a movement towards a more conscious look at pregnancy and birth. Her Sacred Pregnancy retreats are popping up all over the world.  Women and MEN are flocking to her retreats to become certified to teach Sacred Pregnancy childbirth education classes!  Join us as we talk passionately and get all juicy about pregnancy birth and babies!

My guest tonight is Dr. Beth Gineris, MA, MBA, MSOM focuses her practice as a Medical Intuitive Life Coach and Mindfulness seminar trainer..  She specializes in using her east-west, spirit/mind/body integrated training and medical intuition to offer solutions focused Life Coaching, parenting skills training, relationship development and mindfulness focused treatment of many areas of spirit/mind/body imbalances.  Utilizing methods she has developed into models she calls Instinctive Health Medicine and Soul-utions Focused Life Coaching to return your whole system to balanced, harmonious living.   Tonight we will be discussing developing an attitude of midfulness so parents can circumvent the trap of daily power struggles with children that often create stress for all involved. Through her mindful"turning NO to ON guidance Dr. Gineris provides resolutions that create a sense of structure while still being playful enough to allow one's child to become happy, strong and self-confident individulas

On a special Tuesday morning show I will be talking with Karli Heatherington of GALS. Giving Austin Labor Support. GALS is an official 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization which seeks to provide emotional and physical support to women during their birth experience. Anyone in the Austin area can access a volunteer labor support companion by contacting the dispatch line: 512.934.2171. MISSION: Providing emotional, physical, and informational support to empower women through their birth experience. She will also share an upcoming event at Alamo Drafthouse a screening of Ina May Gaskins new film BIRTH STORY

Hello, this is Joe Valley of Empowered Papa and last week was my first episode here on Blog Talk Radio...which was awesome...and waaaay full of technical learning curve moments. This week we are going to do a do-over and have Mars Lord over again for a chat about dads and doulas. I invite you to heckle us again...and you'll have good reason this time!  My guest, Mars Lord, was one of the first people I met after creating Empowered Papa, and she has remained a close friend. She is a doula in the UK whose experience includes attending a bagillion births and giving birth to five kids, two of which are twins. Mars has a good rapport with dads and I suspect it's because she works to support dads in supporting moms.  Heckle us for real this time because we've ironed out the kinks...and we can take it! It's Monday, January 17, 2012 12 Pacific 1pm Mountain 2pm Central 3pm Eastern  8pm UK  See you there! Joe

Today I will be talking to Jamie Bodily. She is a Doula who strives to help pregnant women, their families and other doulas. She holds Masters degrees in Mental Health Counseling and Human Services . She has a fb page dedicated to Mentoring Doulas.  In todays discussion we will talk about training support self development and more...Join us live or listen at your leisure as all of our shows are archived!

Tonight the topic is Agnes Gereb.   Dr Agnes Gereb is a qualified Hungarian obsetrician, midwife and international homebirth expert. She is respected worldwide for her work on behalf of pregnant women. She has championed the right of women to choose how they give birth and has herself attended many thousands of successful home births. Agnes was taken into police custody on 5 October 2010 – minutes after attending to a woman who had unexpectedly gone into labour at Agnes’ birth centre in Budapest. Both mother and baby were transferred to hospital, where they were soon discharged. Hungarian law prevents midwives from attending births outside hospitals and Agnes has been charged with ”reckless endangerment of life committed in the line of duty”. She could face imprisonment for 1–5 years.

Annie is a respected educator, award-winning author, and a trusted online adviser. Her life’s work is helping teens become more self-aware, self-confident and better able to make choices that reflect who they really are. She does it through Q&A, events at schools, and books like her Middle School Confidential™ series. Annie is also committed to working with parents and teachers. Part of that effort recognizes that 21st century children require 21st century parenting and mentoring. Annie’s live events and her “Family Confidential” podcast series teach adults how to give teens what they need for healthy social/emotional development in middle school and beyond. Join us live!

Tonight on our program we will be speaking with Dr. Bill Sears about reading and your little one. “Without question, the most important thing parents can do is read aloud to their child.  When a child is ready to start reading on his or her own, the last thing you want is for them to get discouraged. The problem with many books labeled ‘for emerging readers’ is that they are still too hard for the true beginner.

A Full Scale Birth Revolution on Labor Day A massive uprising happened today. Thousands of men, women and children gathered (today, September 3rd, 2012) as part of a national movement. Improving Birth’s “National Rally for Change on Labor Day” was hosted in close to 100 major cities, in all 50 states across the country. Thanks to the intricate works of social media, ImprovingBirth.org was able to organize a massive movement to bring awareness to the lack of evidence-based maternity care in the US. One writer coined it as “The largest women’s movement in decades.” Join us live tonight as I speak with Dawn Thompson the woman behind it all.

My guest tonight is Robert Nickell Robert is also the founder and CEO of DaddyScrubs, the first online global brand offering delivery room duds and daddy gear for expectant and new dads. The website includes a popular weekly parenting blog, penned by Nickell (aka Daddy Nickell) covering topics such as bonding with your child and what fathers should expect during pregnancy and infancy. Nickell is a well known syndicated columnist for national newspapers, parenting magazines and websites including Baby Couture Magazine, Oh Baby! Magazine, City Parent Magazine, and Homeschooling Parent. He provides tips and insights from a father’s perspective. Daddy Nickell has appeared on many national talk shows and daytime television shows including “Good Morning L.A.”, “Good Morning Texas”, “Fox 5 San Diego”, “WZZM 13”, “OK52”, and “KSBI TV”, offering tips to new parents.

Join me when I interview Dr. Elliot Berlin, DC. Four expectant mothers, from completely separate walks in life, came late one November  to the offices of Dr Elliot Berlin. They had a few things in common; they had undergone C-sections, were all pregnant again, and were determined to try and birth vaginally. They had individually sort the education they needed to tackle this task and decipher the truth in what amounted to a tidal wave of misinformation, coercion, skewed medical policy and insurance limitations.Trial Of Labor is the documentation of their highly emotional journey to attempt what nature intended: to simply birth naturally. This is their story.

How to Connect With Dad In a Powerful Way, One Question that  can change everything. My guest is Joe Valley of Empowered Papa. About Joe is his own words: "I am Joe Valley, creator and writer of Empowered Papa. I provide encouragement and education. I support the modern birth movement. I advocate for informed birth choices. I talk about birth the empowered way. I coach. I teach. I listen. I help ordinary people become extraordinary parents. How? By guiding them through this amazing transformation in their lives." Find Joe on Facebook

Tonight I will be talking to Melissa Wardy, her goal is to empower girls to change the way the world thinks about them.  “We need to ‘Redefine Girly’ and show the world just how smart, brave, and adventurous our daughters can be.  Pigtail Pals was created to provide parents with images and messages they would be proud to raise their girls with.”   In 2010 Melissa began the Redefine Girly blog to educate parents on issues of gender stereotypes and sexualization that our children face.

This is week 8 of working with my life coach. Christy Diane Farr, who heads an amazing program called SICK OF BEING STUCK! Sick of Being Stuck (SOBS) is an approach to clutter-clearing that promises to cultivate change in all of the gardens of your life. This program is about creating space for you in your life. People come to Seeds and Weeds Coachingwhen they are feeling lost, overwhelmed, or invisible. If you’re trying to make a change — improve health, change jobs, express creativity, find (or rediscover) love, increase resource flow, etc. — but you just can’t seem to make it happen on your own, this program may be for you. Tonight we are tackling my relationship with my husband of 13 years. YIKES!!

My guest tonight is Tamara Tait. We will be talking about VBACS and the VBAC Summit and what you need to know about your choices and rights.  Trained as a midwife and marriage and family therapist Tamara has a varied background in women’s reproductive health activism and has been working in maternal, infant and child health for the last seven years. Tamara has a deep interest in the sustainability of the midwifery profession and politics as it relates to birth. Currently pursuing a Phd in Family Therapy, her research interests focus on exploring mental health issues that are pervasive during the childbearing year particularly the experience of postpartum depression, post traumatic stress associated with birth and perinatal bereavement. Tamara serves as the Southeast representative on the board of the Midwives Alliance of North America, is the current president of Florida Friends of Midwives, founder of The Monarch Collective and the owner of The Gathering Place in Miami, Florida.

Homeschooling is increasing in popularity at an extremely high rate; many estimates place the growth rate between 7% and 15% per year (Reaching the Homeschool Market by Mark Lardas in Tdmonthly magazine, October 2003).   More and more parents are deciding to homeschool some need more information about how to go about it. My guest tonight is Talitha Seibel of Momstinct {blog}. She is a homeschooling mother of 4 in Atlanta Georgia. She is a second generation homeschooler.  Call in with question or comments

It's been 2 weeks since I spoke with Christy, my life coach. Terrified to do tonights show. I haven't done anything I was suposed to do  and I feel terrible. Wish me luck!    After years of doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results I have finally decided to call in an expert. 30 self help books later I am still not the person I want to be. I feel like I am stuck and I want out! So I called Christy Farr, she is a life coach who I have featured on my radio show Progressive Parenting. And away we go!