The Birth Link

Most nurses and birth advocates turn a blind eye to the systemic issues in maternity care, but not Trish Ware. She's here to expose the truth and spark change.
In this episode, Trish shares her powerful journey from bedside labor nurse to outspoken advocate and mentor, revealing how her own experiences and those of the women she served pushed her to challenge the status quo. She discusses the covert ways hospitals manipulate birth, the importance of voice and choice, and how social media is revolutionizing patient empowerment today.
You'll discover:
How systemic coercion and outdated protocols threaten women’s autonomy during childbirth
Practical strategies for pregnant women and families to advocate confidently for themselves in hospital settings
The key mindset shifts that empower women to become “quiet warriors” and refuse unnecessary interventions
The evolution of nurses’ roles and how social media is breaking down institutional barriers to knowledge
Why a holistic, patient-centered approach to birth is the future... and how you can be part of it

This episode is a wake up call for expectant parents, birth workers, and healthcare professionals who want to understand the hidden power dynamics in birth and learn how to navigate or even dismantle them. Ignoring these insights risks perpetuating trauma and disempowerment, but embracing them opens the door to safe, respectful, and empowered birth experiences. Whether you're a soon-to-be mom, a birth advocate, or a nurse craving meaningful change, this conversation will ignite your passion for better birth practices. Get ready to challenge the system with confidence and compassion.
Trish Ware is a seasoned labor and delivery nurse, an experienced birth educator and business mentor who has spent over 16 years either at the bedside or virtually advocating for women’s rights in birth. She’s known for her fearless voice, transformative mentoring, and pioneering efforts to empower women both inside the hospital and in their own birth journeys. Ready to harness your voice, question the system, and redefine what birth means? Listen in now, and join the movement for respectful, woman centered birth care.

Find Trish:
https://labornursemama.com/
IG and all social platforms: labor.nurse.mama
For business coaching:
https://trishwarecoaching.com/
or iamtrishware on all social platforms
Thank you again Trish!
Don't forget to find your doula at
https://Anchorandbloomdoulas.com
if you're in the Los Angeles and Ventura county areas!

Learn more about RN Concierge for pregnancy and newborn care
https://myfriendsanurse.com

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