The Birth Link

In this episode of the BirthLink Podcast, Colette speaks with Trapti Agarwal from TheraGurus about the importance of pelvic health in all stages in life, especially for women. They discuss the journey into women's health, the connection between ergonomics and pelvic floor health, and the significance of early pelvic floor therapy. TheraGurus emphasizes a holistic approach to pelvic health, including breathing techniques, postpartum care, and understanding conditions like prolapse. The conversation highlights the need for education and awareness to empower women in managing their pelvic health throughout their lives.
Takeaways
Pelvic floor therapy is essential for all women, regardless of their stage in life.
Understanding ergonomics can significantly impact pelvic floor health.
Early intervention in pelvic floor therapy can prevent long-term issues.
Postpartum recovery requires a focus on rest and self-care.
Breathing techniques play a crucial role in healing postpartum.
Prolapse is a common issue that can be managed with therapy.
Awareness of pelvic floor health is vital for overall well-being.
Stress can negatively affect pelvic floor function.
Education empowers women to take control of their health.
Holistic approaches to therapy can lead to better outcomes.

Find Trapti here:
http://theragurus.com
Instagram @thera_gurus
Chapters
00:00. Introduction to Pelvic Health and Therapy
00:56. Journey into Women's Health
01:55. The Importance of Ergonomics in Women's Health
05:02. Understanding Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy
08:00. When to Start Pelvic Floor Therapy
11:00. Preparing for Pregnancy and Birth
12:03. Postpartum Care and Recovery Tips
24:01. Understanding Pelvic Floor Issues Over Time
25:49. Prolapse: Signs, Symptoms, and Awareness
29:38. Navigating Prolapse: When to Seek Help
33:12. The Importance of Early Intervention and Education
36:06. Stress and Its Impact on Pelvic Health
40:13. The Role of Awareness in Pelvic Floor Health
41:39. Empowering Women Through Education and Support
Keywords: pelvic health, women's health, occupational therapy, ergonomics, postpartum recovery, pelvic floor therapy, prolapse, breathing techniques, holistic health, empowermen

Since starting as a nurse in labor and delivery I have heard that this is not a service industry, not a hotel or restaurant as we are made to feel like servers sometimes. We know best about their care and birth plans, we will take care of them and they should just let us do our jobs.
As more and more women speak up about trauma during hospital births, about the lack of support in labor and postpartum, I have to vent about my perception of what we are doing as nurses and doctors that is missing the mark.
How can we truly incorporate patient-centered care, treating the WHOLE person (persons) during their time in the hospital with us, while maintaining safety, autonomy and dignity?
Listen in as I question the hospital system we have and the mentality that so many nurses and doctors have around women in the maternity hospital system.
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In this episode, Colette Wagholikar and Nicole Lange discuss the intricate relationship between trauma, mental health, and fertility. They explore how acupuncture can aid in fertility treatments, the importance of open communication with partners, and the emotional challenges faced during the journey to parenthood. The conversation emphasizes the need for a supportive community and the significance of celebrating small victories along the way. Nicole shares her insights on navigating pregnancy after fertility struggles and the impact of IVF on pregnancy outcomes, advocating for a holistic approach to women's health.
Nicole Lange is an acupuncturist and thought leader who's pioneered trauma-informed fertility care since 2006. She's leading the conversation around the shocking reality that nearly 50% of people in fertility treatment develop PTSD—regardless of whether they get pregnant. Nicole's revolutionary salutogenesis approach focuses on preventing treatment-induced trauma while improving conception odds through her evidence-based integration of nervous system science and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Find Nicole:
https://lifehealinglife.com
https://www.youtube.com/@thebabyyouwant
https://www.instagram.com/notafixer/
Takeaways
Trauma can significantly impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
Acupuncture can help reset the body's hormonal balance and improve fertility.
Mental health is crucial during fertility treatments and pregnancy.
Open communication with partners is essential for navigating fertility struggles.
IVF can lead to increased risks in pregnancy, but informed consent is key.
Building a supportive community can alleviate feelings of isolation during fertility journeys.
Celebrating small victories during the fertility process is important for mental well-being.
Understanding the interconnectedness of physical and mental health can enhance fertility outcomes.
Women often carry the emotional burden of fertility struggles, impacting their relationships.
Education and awareness can empower women to make informed decisions about their fertility.

Chapters
00:00. Introduction to Fertility and Trauma
08:33. The Role of Acupuncture in Fertility
22:29. Understanding Trauma's Impact on Fertility
28:38. Understanding Salutogenesis in Fertility
30:54. Navigating IVF and Fertility Solutions
32:13. The Importance of a Holistic Approach
34:06. Emotional Challenges During Fertility Treatments
35:48. Radical Acceptance in Pregnancy After Infertility
39:01. Celebrating Small Wins in the Fertility Journey
43:19. Processing Emotions and Staying Present
46:17. Communicating with Partners During Fertility Challenges
52:39. Navigating Postpartum Challenges
54:45. Communicating Needs in Relationships
57:11. Setting Expectations for Parenting
59:15. Understanding Partner Dynamics
01:01:01. The Impact of IVF on Pregnancy
01:05:45 Balancing Evidence and Compassion in Care
01:08:25 Building a Supportive Environment for Parenthood
01:14:31 Outtro new edit.mp3

Keywords: fertility, trauma, acupuncture, mental health, IVF, pregnancy, women's health, support, community, holistic care

We are so proud to have the doctors behind The OB Hospitalist. Initially conceived to unite OB Hospitalists and help others in their field, cope with the challenges of being in healthcare, family, and juggling modern day challenges. Their audience has expanded to include nurses, midwives, sonographers, and anyone else passionate about delivering quality and meaningful women’s healthcare.
Our conversation covers the role of a hospitalist, or some call them laborists, in the hospital, the path of an OB to become one and how they are changing our maternal healthcare system. Hospitalist are the answer to safety concerns in the hospital and becoming more and more of the norm. And of course we touch on the doctor's view of a birth plan!
The highlight of our conversation is how we can build a successful team based on communication and how, even though it would take a lot of work, this type of birthing system could be a safer general practice throughout the United States.
Head over to their Instagram for updates and announcements for an amazing upcoming project!
IG: @theobhospitalist
Visit their link tree!
Takeaways
An OB hospitalist is a board-certified OB-GYN who works in hospitals, providing care for patients without an OB-GYN.
The role involves handling emergencies and ensuring patient safety during childbirth.
Collaboration with nurses and other healthcare professionals is crucial for effective patient care.
Work-life balance is achievable in hospitalist roles, allowing for personal time and family life.
Building trust with patients is essential, especially when they meet their care providers for the first time.
The healthcare system is facing challenges, including a shortage of private practice OB-GYNs.
Patient autonomy and shared decision-making are vital in obstetric care.
Communication between healthcare providers and patients can improve outcomes and satisfaction.
The future of obstetric care may increasingly rely on hospitalists due to changing healthcare dynamics.
New OBs should consider the fast-paced, collaborative environment of hospitalist work.

00:00
Introduction to OB Hospitalists
03:11
The Role and Responsibilities of OB Hospitalists
06:10
Pathways to Becoming an OB Hospitalist
08:50
The Current State of the Medical System for Birth
14:54
Building Trust with Patients
20:56
Communication and Teamwork in Maternity Care
27:51
Building Trust in Patient-Provider Relationships
29:48
The Future of Birth in Hospitals
31:36
Adapting to Change in Healthcare
33:38
Patient Autonomy and Birth Plans
36:45
Shared Decision Making in Obstetrics
48:40
Advice for Future OBs and Hospitalists

What is a nurse to do?! Listen in with Cassandra Koblitz RN, the founder of Hakuna Matata Mamas, a labor and delivery nurse plus hospital birth coach with 13 years of experience supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She has worked in high-risk labor units across the country and has supported thousands of hospital births. Here's what she knows: hospital birth can be beautiful—but only if women are truly prepared for what’s coming.
That’s where Hakuna Matata Mamas comes in. Through her coaching she helps moms feel calm, courageous, and emotionally steady as they get ready to meet their baby.
What sets her apart is that she goes far beyond birth plans and breathing techniques. She helps women understand how the hospital system actually works, teaches their partners how to advocate, and guides them in building the emotional resilience to handle whatever path birth takes.
In this conversation, Colette Wagholikar and Cassandra Kolbuts discuss the challenges and importance of patient education in the context of hospital births. They share personal stories and insights from their experiences as labor and delivery nurses, emphasizing the need for women to be empowered and informed about their choices during childbirth. The discussion covers the roles of partners, the impact of social media on birth education, and the importance of mindset and preparation for a positive birth experience.
Takeaways
Women often leave the hospital feeling traumatized by their birth experience.
Education and preparation are crucial for a positive birth experience.
Patients should feel empowered to ask questions and voice their preferences during labor.
The role of partners is vital in supporting women during childbirth.
Mindset plays a significant role in how women perceive their birth experience.
Social media can both help and hinder birth education.
Women should not just go with the flow but actively participate in their birth plan.
Understanding medical interventions is essential for informed decision-making.
Nurses and doctors need to respect the birthing process and the women involved.
Preparation for childbirth should start as early as possible.

Find Cassandra at:
IG: https://instagram.com/hakuna.matata.mamas
Website: https://hakunamatatamamas.com
Keywords: birth education, patient advocacy, labor and delivery, hospital birth, empowerment, mindset, patient rights, birth trauma, nursing, maternal health