In this enlightening conversation, Dawn Thompson and Nicole Harlot engage with Ashley Mariani, a registered social worker and breathwork practitioner, to explore the dynamics of feminine and masculine roles in relationships, particularly during the perinatal period. They discuss the importance of masculine support for women, the concept of empowerment versus authority in birth spaces, and the need for partners to take an active role in advocating for women's needs during childbirth. The conversation emphasizes the significance of intuition, community support, and the role of wisdom keepers in guiding women through their journeys of motherhood and healing.

Ashley Mariani, MSW, RSW is a couples therapist, polarity educator, and advocate against obstetric violence. With a background in sexuality, marriage, and family studies, she specializes in helping couples rebuild intimacy after birth trauma. Ashley integrates a nervous system-informed approach, guiding men to embody mature masculine leadership in birth and relationships while supporting women in reclaiming safety, desire, and connection postpartum. Her work challenges mainstream narratives around birth, sex, and partnership, empowering couples to navigate these transitions with clarity and confidence.www.mindonline.ca@mindonline.ca@Therogue.therapist@heartandhearthministry

In this episode, Nicole Harlot and Dawn Thompson engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Elizabeth van der Wilt, a certified doula and holistic women's health coach. They explore the sacredness of mammalian birth, drawing parallels between animal and human birthing experiences. Elizabeth shares her unique insights from witnessing a cow give birth on her farm, emphasizing the natural processes involved and the importance of minimal intervention. The discussion also highlights the postpartum period, the need for support systems, and the often-overlooked aspects of maternal health. The episode encourages listeners to rethink their perspectives on birth and the support women need during this transformative time.

Connect with Lisa @fruitfulwombdoulaElisabeth van der Wilt has had a love for birth since the age of 11. Considering herself multi-passionate she helps women over the age of 30 making sure they get the support they need from fertility/infertility, until postpartum and even menopause. Being a one stop shop for everyone. If she isn't helping people as a doula, she also runs a homestead with her parents and siblings.
fruitfulwomb.ca

Join Co-Hosts Nicole and Dawn chat about their own experiences, opinions and stories about Inductions and C-Sections and how physiological birth is not seen in most places to birth.

induction, cesarean, maternal health, birth, intuition, active participation, informed decision-making, historical context, medical interventions, postpartum

In this episode, Nicole Harlot, Dawn Thompson, and Theresa Moutafis discuss the importance of nutrition for breastfeeding and postpartum mothers. They explore what foods to avoid during pregnancy, essential nutrients for recovery, and practical snack ideas. The conversation emphasizes the role of dietitians in supporting mothers, the significance of hydration and fiber, and the challenges of body image post-pregnancy. They also touch on intuitive eating and provide practical tips for maintaining a balanced diet during the postpartum period.

At Aeroflow Breastpumps, our mission is to improve pregnancy, breastfeeding and postpartum health outcomes by making it easy to access the very best medical equipment and support through insurance. Aeroflow's incredible team of lactation consultants, dietitians, and doulas are available to help you reach your goals and have a healthy pregnancy and postpartum through expert classes, 1:1 consults, and support groups. Reach out to lactation@aeroflowbreastpumps.com to get started!https://www.instagram.com/aeroflow_breastpumpshttps://aeroflowbreastpumps.com/

Summary

In this conversation, Dawn Thompson and Nicole Harlot engage with Rixa Freeze, a prominent advocate for twin and breech birth. They discuss the alarming rise in cesarean rates for twin births, the importance of informed consent, and the need for better training among healthcare providers. Rixa shares her journey into birth research, the findings from her twin home birth study, and the systemic changes needed to support vaginal births for twins. The discussion emphasizes the empowerment of women in making informed choices about their birth experiences and the necessity for healthcare providers to be adequately trained in breech and twin deliveries.

Dr. Rixa Freeze has a PhD in American Studies from the University of Iowa. Her doctoral studies focused on the history of healthcare and medicine with specialization in pregnancy, childbirth, and maternity care. Her dissertation examined why women in North America choose unassisted home births. She worked as a visiting assistant professor for 9 years at Wabash College before founding Breech Without Borders in 2018. BWB is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to breech training, education, and advocacy.

She has published about why women choose home birth (JMWH 2009) and attitudes towards home birth in the US (Exp Rev ObGyn 2010). In 2018, she co-authored a study of breech and cephalic home births (BMC Preg Child). The following year, she published an article about outcomes of breech at home, birth centers, and hospitals (Midwifery Today). She co-authored a chapter “Freebirth in the United States” in the 2020 book Birthing Outside the System: The Canary in the Coal Mine. She is the co-author of the textbook A Guide to Physiological Breech Birth, now in its 2nd edition. Her analysis of 100 sets of twin home births, co-authored with Stuart Fischbein, was published in December 2024 with PLOS ONE.

Current research projects include a video analysis of 200 physiological breech births, a qualitative analysis of the obstacles American physicians face in supporting vaginal breech birth, and a review of the effectiveness of an international vaginal breech training program. She also oversees DNP and bachelor of midwifery research projects relating to breech birth.

https://www.facebook.com/breechwithoutbordershttps://www.instagram.com/breechwithoutborders/rixarixa.blogspot.com

** Correction From Rixa: I was speaking about "mono-mono" twins but accidentally said "mono-di" at a few points between about 18:00-20:00. I did correct myself at the end of that segment but wanted to clarify that in that part, I was meaning "mono-mono"! **

In this episode, Nicole Harlot and Dawn Thompson engage with Kerry Ingram, a postpartum mental health specialist, to discuss the critical role of community support during the postpartum period. They explore the concept of 'village tending,' emphasizing the importance of building a supportive network for new parents. The conversation highlights the need for parents to feel safe and supported, the challenges of navigating boundaries with visitors, and practical strategies for organizing community help. The episode concludes with a focus on the value of trust and individualized care in the parenting journey.

Community Supported Postpartum can help birthworkers and/or parents do everything from planning a fully supported fourth trimester to throwing a brilliant baby shower to interrupting harmful narratives impacting new parents to creating more community with parent and baby groups...so you can be even more of a champion for the people you love.

Because showing up for each other is a skill, so let's skill up and show up for newborn parents.

https://communitysupportedpostpartum.com/https://www.instagram.com/villagetenders/https://www.facebook.com/communitysupportedpostpartum

Alicia Hurtt is the founder and Executive Director of I See My Baby Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and families through holistic wellness and compassionate support. As a certified birth doula, minister, and author of over 32 books, Alicia draws from her personal journey of overcoming infertility, depression, and a crisis of faith to inspire and uplift others. With a Master’s degree in Leadership and Christian Education, her work is deeply rooted in her relationship with God and her passion for helping women manifest, envision, and believe in their dreams.

Summary

In this episode, Alicia Hurt shares her deeply personal journey through infertility, motherhood, and the creation of her nonprofit organization aimed at supporting women facing similar challenges. The conversation explores themes of manifestation, community support, and the importance of connection among women. Alicia emphasizes the power of envisioning and believing in one's desires, while also addressing the mental health aspects of motherhood and the need for a supportive network. The discussion highlights the unique struggles faced by women of color in this space and the importance of advocacy and empowerment.

Ashley Holmes is a Holistic Fertility Coach specializing in the mind-body connection, empowering women through fertility challenges, pregnancy, and the journey beyond. With expertise in bodywork, energetics and mindfulness, she guides individuals in creating a balanced foundation for conception, nurturing early pregnancy, and healing from loss. Ashley’s compassionate approach helps clients embrace resilience, deepen self-trust, and cultivate a sense of peace and empowerment, no matter where they are on their journey.

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