The Tracy Donegan Podcast

Hayley Cava, a pelvic floor physical therapist and postural restoration certified provider, shares her experiences using GentleBirth for her second pregnancy and birth. She discusses the importance of movement throughout pregnancy and the benefits of being in a balanced state. Hayley also describes her journey into pelvic floor health and her passion for improving care for women postnatally and perinatally. She emphasizes the role of mindset and mindfulness in birth and the power of making informed choices. Hayley shares her own birth story, including the importance of vocalizing and feeling in control during labor. She also discusses her postpartum recovery, the impact of meaningful rehabilitation and why she chose to train as a GentleBirth Childbirth Educator.

In this episode, Tracy Donegan speaks with Grainne Byrne, Founder of Feel Norma, an online resource for women experiencing intimate health challenges such as vaginismus, pelvic floor issues, menopause, and painful sex. They discuss the need for holistic, intimate education and support for women and girls around the world. The conversation highlights the lack of education and support for women's sexual well-being, the importance of addressing psychosexual issues, and the impact of conditions like ADHD on sexual functioning.

In this conversation, Tracy Donegan speaks with Mamastefit Founder Gina Connolly about myths and misinformation surrounding exercise during pregnancy. They discuss the benefits of exercise, common fears and concerns, and the importance of listening to your body. Gina shares her journey of starting Mamastefit and the development of her programs and brand new book - Training for Two.

In this conversation, Tracy Donegan and Dr. Crystal Frazee discuss the importance of using mind-body practices to reduce burnout and navigate the challenges of being successful as a woman in today's society. They explore the concept of the 'perfection paradox' and how societal expectations can lead to stress and burnout. They also emphasize the importance of listening to our body's wisdom and using it as a guide in decision-making. The conversation highlights the signs of burnout and provides suggestions for women to corral their time, set boundaries, and reduce overwhelm. They also touch on the impact of the 'good woman narrative' and the need to challenge unrealistic expectations. The conversation explores the concept of outside-in thinking and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. It emphasizes the importance of inside-out decision making and being true to oneself. The discussion also delves into the significance of emotion regulation and the impact it has on burnout. The practice of bottom-up regulation is highlighted as a way to connect with the body and mitigate stress.

This episode's conversation explores Maria Velo Higueras recent research on women's experiences of freebirth/unassisted birth and the reasons behind their decision. It highlights the need for trust-building between women and healthcare providers and the importance of offering services that women will accept.

Dr. Sarah Buckley discusses oxytocin and its role in birth and breastfeeding. Synthetic oxytocin, used in medical interventions during birth, is chemically identical to natural oxytocin. However, it is unclear whether synthetic oxytocin crosses the blood-brain barrier and affects mental health. In this conversation, Dr. Sarah Buckley shares the effects of synthetic oxytocin and epidurals on labor and birth. They clarify that oxytocin does not cross the blood-brain barrier or the placenta in significant amounts, debunking the myth that synthetic oxytocin can harm babies directly. However, we acknowledge that synthetic oxytocin can cause indirect harm by increasing stress levels and overriding the body's natural pain relief systems. We also explore the concept of hormonal gaps and discuss the importance of skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding in filling these gaps and promoting bonding between mother and baby.

Rosemary Noonan shares her experiences with maternity services in Ireland and how storytelling through her art helped her navigate pregnancy loss and trauma. She discusses her journey to a VBAC and the challenges she faced, including difficulty accessing an ECV and a breach of confidentiality. Rosemary also talks about her passion for art and how it has been a healing resource for her and other women. She recently held an exhibition that focused on women's mental health and shared stories of infertility, pregnancy trauma, and work-life balance.

In this episode, Tracy Donegan speaks with Caoimhe Whelan, an IBCLC, about her recently published research - Mothers' Emotional Experiences of Breastfeeding with Primary Low Milk Supply. The research highlights the emotional challenges faced by mothers and the importance of accurate information and compassionate support. The conversation covers topics such as the prevalence of primary low milk supply, the need for better education and support for breastfeeding difficulties, and the profound impact of breastfeeding experiences on mothers' identities and mental health.

In this episode, Tracy Donegan interviews Alex Heath about the impact of birth trauma on women's health and the recent UK government's birth trauma report. The report, prompted by an MP's experience, aimed to understand why 30% of parents in the UK describe their birth as traumatic. However, the report failed to address key issues such as obstetric violence and the high rates of induction of labor. The conversation also highlights the medicalization of birth, the fear of litigation, and the lack of evidence-based care in maternity services. The conversation explores the need for more honest conversations about the realities of birth and the importance of supporting parents who have experienced trauma. It highlights the anxieties and vulnerabilities that parents face, especially those who have had fertility issues or previous miscarriages. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-compassion and mindfulness practices to navigate the challenges of parenting and to recover from birth trauma. Alex discusses her work in training professionals in trauma-informed listening techniques and her efforts to provide support for parents who have experienced perinatal trauma.

In this episode Kathy Donaghy shares her journey of finding her way back to herself and navigating motherhood and miscarriage. She discusses the importance of mindfulness and meditation in her life and how it helped her through difficult times. The conversation highlights the importance of saying no to things that don't align with one's values and priorities, and the power of finding what brings joy and practicing it regularly.

Jaimie Schrock shares her inspiring experiences of preparing for VBAC3 and the impact of using the GentleBirth program. She discusses her previous birth experiences, the use of the GentleBirth app during pregnancy, and the peaceful and blissful nature of her labor and birth. Tracy Donegan shares her personal birth experience and the impact it had on her work as a doula. She emphasizes the importance of mindset, relaxation, and trust in the birthing process. The conversation also covers the challenges and emotional resilience required for VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and the significance of mindfulness and emotional regulation in childbirth and parenting. Jaimie's book, 'Brave Beautiful Birth,' is discussed, along with the cost-effectiveness of mindfulness-based childbirth programs.

Kay Aubrey-Chimene, also known as the Light Lady, discusses the benefits of photobiomodulation and red light therapy. She shares her personal journey of using light therapy to heal her horse and herself, and highlights the diverse applications of light therapy in women's health, fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum care. Kay emphasizes the importance of targeted light therapy and the impact of different colors and wavelengths of light on cellular function and healing. She also addresses the use of light therapy in surgery, injury recovery, and women's health issues, advocating for its safe and effective application. Tracy Donegan discusses the benefits of light therapy and its applications in various medical and wellness contexts. She emphasizes the role of light therapy in pain reduction, circulation improvement, and cellular repair. Additionally, she explores its potential in addressing adhesions from caesarean sections and the need for insurance coverage and education on light therapy.

Lisa Campbell shares her experiences of preparing for a vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBAC2). She discusses the challenges faced by VBAC moms in Ireland and the importance of feeling empowered and informed about birth choices. Lisa highlights the need for individualized care, support from healthcare providers, and the availability of options like the walking epidural. In this conversation, Tracy and Lisa also discuss the need for change in the Irish maternity system to prioritize women's choices and provide respectful and supportive care.

In this episode, Dr. Sinead DuFour, a pelvic health physiotherapist, discusses the importance of women's pelvic floor health throughout their reproductive lives. She emphasizes the need for education and awareness about the pelvic floor, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. Dr. DuFour explains the benefits of seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist during pregnancy, even if there are no issues, and highlights the role of virtual visits in providing education and support. She also debunks myths about pelvic floor exercises and emphasizes the importance of individualized pelvic floor muscle training. The conversation also touches on the importance of optimal positions for labor and birth, the role of doulas in supporting women, and the need for self-advocacy in the healthcare system.

Tehseen O'Donnell shares her experience of giving birth without a midwife or medical personnel, known as free birth or unassisted birth. She explains that her decision was influenced by her dissatisfaction with the standard care provided by the medical system and her belief in the natural process of birth. Tehseen discusses the coercion and lack of informed consent she witnessed as a student nurse and doula, which further solidified her choice. She also highlights the constraints and limitations of home births in Ireland, leading her to opt for a completely off-grid birth. Tehseen shares her labor experience, including the unexpected challenges and the support she had from her husband and a wise woman. She emphasizes the importance of being on the same page with your partner and preparing for different scenarios. Tracy Donegan shares her experience of free birthing and the challenges she faced during the postpartum period. She discusses the need for medical appointments and paperwork, as well as the importance of protecting the pregnancy and postpartum bubble. Tracy emphasizes the benefits of free birthing, including increased trust in oneself and a stronger bond with her partner. She also talks about the joys and challenges of breastfeeding and the support she received from her husband. Tracy concludes by sharing information about Wild Mountain Mothering, a collective of women offering support to mothers.

In this episode, Susie Guarino shares her experience with the GentleBirth app and how she used mindfulness to support her mental health. Tracy Donegan and Susie discuss the importance of self-compassion and positive self-talk in motherhood and in life. They also discuss the importance of finding a supportive team and cultivating rituals and practices that promote self-care and well-being. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the power of self-compassion, mindfulness, and positive mindset in creating a fulfilling and empowered life.

In this episode, Anne Marie Jensen, a Danish physiotherapist, shares her experiences using red light therapy (photo biomodulation) for fertility. She initially used laser therapy for her physiotherapy patients but was approached by a woman seeking fertility treatments. After six treatments, the woman became pregnant, sparking Anne Marie's interest in using laser therapy for fertility. She reached out to laser therapists worldwide and received positive feedback. Anne Marie explains that laser therapy stimulates the mitochondria in cells, increasing energy production and improving cell function. She focuses on treating women but also offers laser therapy for male fertility issues. The effects of laser therapy on sperm motility are immediate, but more research is needed to determine long-term effects. Anne Marie recommends 16 treatments on average for women trying to conceive. In this conversation, Tracy Donegan and Anne Marie Jensen discuss the use of laser therapy for fertility and pelvic health. They explore the benefits of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy in improving fertility outcomes, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue healing. They also discuss the use of laser therapy for scar tissue remodeling and its potential impact on the microbiome. Anne Marie shares her experience working with women of different age groups and the success rates she has observed. They touch on the challenges of integrating laser therapy into mainstream medicine and the need for more research in this field.

In this conversation, midwife Molly O'Brien discusses the importance of understanding the biomechanics of birth and how it can optimize positioning and labor for mothers. They also touch on the challenges faced by midwives in a medicalized birth system and the need for more physiological birth options. The conversation highlights the need for birth education that focuses on movement, trust in the body, and informed decision-making. The key takeaways include the importance of freedom to move during labor, the need for evidence-based birth education, and the power of saying no to interventions. In this conversation, Tracy Donegan and Molly O'Brien discuss the importance of personalized birth experiences and the need for midwives to support women's choices. They emphasize the power of music during labor and the importance of creating a supportive birth environment. They also discuss the challenges midwives face in advocating for physiological birth and the need for evidence-based information for parents. The conversation highlights the need for a shift in the current medical model of care and the importance of empowering women to make informed decisions.

In this podcast episode, Tracy Donegan interviews Adreanna Limbach, author of the book 'Tea and Cake with Demons: A Buddhist Guide to Feeling Worthy.' The conversation explores the motivation behind writing the book and the focus on worthiness. Limbach shares how her background in Buddhism and meditation has helped her navigate the transition to motherhood. The discussion also touches on the benefits of meditation in postpartum and the importance of protecting mental energy. The episode concludes with a conversation about recognizing and dealing with personal demons and embracing imperfection in motherhood. In this conversation, Tracy Donegan and Adreanna Limbach discuss the power of language and how we identify with emotions. They explore the concept of mindfulness as the spice that flavors all dishes and its application in daily life. They also delve into the importance of self-compassion and reparenting ourselves. Adreanna shares advice she would give to her 18-year-old self and discusses the intersection of meditation, Buddhism, and daily life. They reflect on the journey of becoming a mother and provide insights for new moms. Adreanna shares where listeners can find her and her work.