Building Your Village One Episode at a Time
Connecting you with the Support You Need from Pregnancy to Parenting
Building Your Village One Episode at a Time
Connecting you with the Support You Need from Pregnancy to Parenting
In this conversation, Nicole Harlot and Anne Wallen from MaternityWise discuss the origins and evolution of MaternityWise, the unique Epidural Program, and the vital role of doulas in supporting birthing families. They emphasize the importance of community, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity in the perinatal space, as well as the need to empower dads and navigate the medical system effectively. The discussion also highlights the Perinatal Resource Collaborative's mission to connect professionals and provide resources for better maternal and infant outcomes.
https://maternitywise.com
@maternitywise
In this conversation, Nicole Harlot and Joshua Liston-Zawadi explore the importance of advocacy in birth support, the role of partners, and the mental load associated with parenting. They discuss the need for male involvement in birth work and the creation of resources for fathers. Joshua shares his personal journey into doula work and emphasizes the significance of building community for dads. The conversation culminates in a call for radical family love and support as a means to improve maternal health outcomes.
Joshua Liston- Zawadi is a proud Milwaukee native who prioritizes community, fatherhood and mental health. Josh celebrates the process of family and community building by using his platform and work to model how to be an intentional figure in the lives of their children.
Joshua Zawadi is also the man behind the social media brand Melanated Daddy and the signature non-birthing parenting course Dad Doula. He is also the co-founder and executive director of the newly founded family and community engagement non-profit organization, Life reDefined. The mission of the Dad Doula program is to provide resources, and guidance for the non-birthing parent as they plan to support the birthing person during the pregnancy, labor and delivery and thereafter. This is done by learning how to advocate, and support with intentional presence. This service is extended to expecting parents, new again parents and parents looking to re-enter their children's lives. The mission of Life reDefined is to inspire family and community connection through intentional and collaborative experiences.
Josh Zawadi is an Army Veteran, husband, biological and bonus dad to four children. He is a lover of Christ and believes in the power of community. He also identifies as a womanist and uses he/him pronouns. His passion for fatherhood is rooted in the belief that Iron Sharpens Iron.
With an impressive 26-year career as a doula and childbirth educator, Traci Doula has dedicated her life to guiding and supporting pregnant individuals through their birthing journeys. Known for her compassionate and hands-on approach, Traci has helped countless families experience empowering, informed births while navigating the physical, emotional, and advocacy aspects of pregnancy and postpartum care.Traci’s passion for education extends beyond one-on-one doula support—she’s found a powerful platform on TikTok, where her 167K followers benefit from her practical advice, insights, and encouragement. By breaking down complex birth-related topics and making them accessible and engaging, Traci is redefining how childbirth education is delivered in the digital age.In addition to her TikTok presence, Traci offers a transformative self-advocacy course called Keeping Your Power for Families. This course empowers parents with the tools and mindset they need to navigate their birth experiences with confidence, make informed decisions, and assert their needs in any healthcare setting. Traci’s course has become an invaluable resource for families seeking to take charge of their birth experience while staying grounded and empowered.Through her multifaceted work—whether supporting families, mentoring doulas, or educating the public—Traci Doula remains deeply committed to her mission of empowering individuals and families to advocate for themselves and approach birth with knowledge, confidence, and strength.
Social Links:
www.tracidoula.comTikTok: Tracidoula4Instagram: TraciDoulaFacebook: TraciDoula Maternal Instincts Doula
In this episode of Speaking of the Village, host Nicole Harlot speaks with Lital Bernstein, founder of Whole Nest, about her journey into holistic healing and the creation of her natural postpartum products. They discuss the importance of natural ingredients, the mind-body connection, and the role of energy and intention in healing. Lital shares her insights on parenting, spirituality, and the significance of community support for new mothers. The conversation emphasizes the need for women to embrace their experiences and the power of intention in their healing journeys.
WholeNest started as a solution provider to help every pregnant, and postpartum mom enjoy natural relief and be the best version of themselves to shower the utmost care on their little one. Truly, “you cannot give what you don’t have.”We curated a list of organic essentials with Earth’s best natural ingredients, that are hypoallergenic, pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding-safe. Our postpartum care products were initially designed for self-use, but Lital, the Founder, couldn’t hold back but offer these wellness essentials to other moms.Our products, classes, and posts are designed with clear intention, and we combine knowledge, practicality, wisdom, and spirituality to give you the best.With a multitude of first-hand experiences in various body pains, we thought: Why not create all-around products for everybody that can solve more than just one pain point?Our nurture from within approach is the backbone of everything we do. Made with you and your family in mind, WholeNest was created to offer multi-functional products that take on the job of several different treatments.WholeNest is for you. WholeNest is for your family. WholeNest is for everyone💜
Social Links:
https://www.instagram.com/wholenest/https://wholenest.co/
In this episode, Dawn Thompson and Jenna Walenga discuss the shortcomings of modern birth preparation and the importance of empowering women through education and support. They explore the myths surrounding childbirth, the significance of understanding pain during labor, and the necessity of nervous system regulation. Jenna shares her personal experiences and insights on how to prepare for birth and postpartum, emphasizing the need for community support and nutrition. The conversation highlights the transformative nature of birth and the importance of feeling empowered in the process.
Jenna Walenga is an empowered birth coach, with over a decade working as a pre and postnatal yoga instructor, meditation teacher, and postpartum support circle leader guiding 100s of women through the profound transitions of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. Passionate about fostering empowerment through the portal of birth, Jenna’s work centers on helping people develop the mental and spiritual tools needed for a calm and confident birth and postpartum experience.As the author of Get the Birth You Want and creator of the Radical Birth Code. Jenna distills wisdom from years of teaching into accessible tools for those seeking a low-intervention birth.Jenna’s work is rooted in the belief that birth is a powerful rite of passage, and with the right preparation—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—anyone can navigate it with presence and trust.
Social Links:
www.instagram.com/thebirthyouwant, www.theradicalbirthcode.com
In this conversation, Dawn Thompson and Laurel Wilson explore the critical role of the microbiome in perinatal health, the importance of breastfeeding for establishing a baby's immune system, and the challenges faced by mothers, especially those who undergo cesarean births. They discuss the cultural perspectives on breastfeeding, the alternatives available for feeding infants, and the need for support systems for new parents. The conversation emphasizes the uniqueness of each breastfeeding experience and the importance of community support in navigating these challenges.
Laurel Wilson is a TedX and international speaker, women’s health and perinatal specialist, integrative nutrition health coach, international board-certified lactation consultant, speaker consultant, educator, and author. Laurel has authored two books, The Attachment Pregnancy and The Greatest Pregnancy Ever. Her passion is blending today’s recent scientific findings with mind/body/spirit wisdom to highlight the magnitude and importance of the perinatal period. Laurel has been joyfully married to her husband for three decades and has two wonderful grown sons, whose difficult births led her on a path towards helping emerging families create positive experiences. She believes that the journey into parenthood is a life-changing rite of passage that should be deeply honored and celebrated.
Social Links:
https://www.facebook.com/MotherJourneyLaurelWilssonhttps://www.facebook.com/thrivewithlaurel/https://www.instagram.com/thrivewithlaurelwilsonhttps://www.instagram.com/mpotherjourneylaurelwilsonhttps://bsky.app/profile/thrivewithlaurel.bsky.socialhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSyzIpq30QYwww.laurelawilson.comwww.motherjourney.com
In this episode, Dawn and Nicole discuss the critical topic of preeclampsia with expert Sarah Thompson. They explore the rising incidence of preeclampsia, its symptoms, causes, and the significant role nutrition plays in prevention and management. Sarah emphasizes the importance of individualized care and the need for supportive systems during pregnancy. The conversation also highlights dietary recommendations, particularly the Mediterranean diet, as a means to reduce the risk of preeclampsia and improve overall pregnancy outcomes.
Sarah Thompson is a licensed acupuncturist, certified functional medicine practitioner, and leading expert in functional maternity care. She is the author of Functional Maternity: Using Functional Medicine and Nutrition to Improve Pregnancy and Childbirth Outcomes, the first book to integrate functional medicine into maternity care, as well as Beyond Results: A practitioner's guide to functional lab analysis in pregnancy. With over 15 years of clinical experience, Sarah specializes in using functional medicine and nutrition to optimize pregnancy health, manage complications such as nausea and vomiting, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes, and improve birth outcomes by supporting maternal physiology. Sarah is also a researcher, educator, and speaker, teaching midwives, OBs, and other healthcare professionals how to incorporate functional medicine into prenatal and postpartum care. Her work is widely recognized in midwifery colleges, professional conferences, and continuing education courses for maternity providers.In addition to her clinical and teaching work, Sarah actively participates in research on the role of nutrition in preventing and managing pregnancy complications. She owns and operates Sacred Vessel Acupuncture and Functional Medicine in Fort Collins, Colorado, and runs Functional Maternity, an educational platform dedicated to advancing functional medicine in maternal health.
Social Links:
Instagram & Facebook: @functional.maternitywww.functionalmaternity.comClinic: www.sacredvesselacupuncture.com
In this episode, Dawn Thompson and Nicole Harlot engage with HeHe, a doula and founder of Tranquility by HeHe, discussing the importance of education in childbirth, the trends in induction and cesarean rates, and the role of partners in the birthing process. They emphasize the need for women to be active participants in their birth choices, the significance of trusting one's intuition, and the impact of hospital practices on maternal health outcomes. The conversation highlights the necessity of empowering both mothers and fathers in the journey of childbirth, advocating for informed decisions, and fostering a supportive environment for families.
HeHe is the Founder of Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concierge, the creator of The Birth Lounge membership. With a Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies and over 10 years in the Family Life Education field, HeHe helps people prepare for childbirth with research-backed education and data-driven support to have a confident birth experience while feeling informed and in control of labor (without fear or coercion). She is passionate about helping patients understand their rights around consent and autonomy in birth. Her expertise expands to supporting new parents in preparing for postpartum, helping you master feeding your tiny human and understanding newborn sleep! HeHe hosts The Birth Lounge Podcast which features leading experts in pregnancy, women's health, and newborn development so parents can understand how to have an informed and confident birth!
Social Links:
www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehewww.instagram.com/the.birth.loungewww.tiktok.com/tranquilitybyheheThe Birth Lounge Podcast, https://open.spotify.com/show/7kSfCZ5rlpnRAWZMlQnSC6?si=ff68da7eb9c546f5
In this conversation, Nicole Harlot, Dawn Thompson, and Kim Jolasun discuss the significance of having a supportive village during motherhood. Kim shares her experiences and insights on how cultural differences shape the way communities support new parents. The discussion emphasizes the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and the evolving role of fathers in the parenting journey. The conversation also highlights the need for education among villagers to better support new mothers and the importance of cultivating relationships before the arrival of a baby.
Villie is a digital platform helping expecting and new parents keep their loved ones in the loop—without the chaos of group chats. Through personalized baby pages, we make it easy to share updates, collect support, and celebrate each moment. Our mission is to build modern tools that strengthen the village it takes to raise a child. Built by moms, for moms, Villie centers the parent experience while unlocking meaningful ways for families and friends to show up. 💜
@villiefamily
In this episode of Speaking of the Village, hosts Dawn Thompson and Nicole Harlot discuss the complexities of childbirth, focusing on the differences between home births and hospital births. Dawn shares her recent experience as a doula at a hospital birth, highlighting the challenges faced within the hospital system, including the importance of having supportive staff and the impact of hospital protocols on the birthing experience. They emphasize the need for individualized care and the role of advocacy in ensuring positive birth experiences. The conversation also touches on statistics related to maternity care, showcasing successful practices in certain hospitals that prioritize patient-centered care.
In this conversation, Nicole Harlot and Dawn Thompson discuss the Neuro Play Method with pediatric physical therapist Elizabeth. They explore the importance of early intervention in child development, the holistic approach to infant care, and practical strategies for parents to support their baby's growth. Elizabeth shares insights on movement patterns, the significance of a supportive environment, and the benefits of proactive parenting. The discussion emphasizes the need for awareness of available resources and the importance of connecting with professionals to ensure optimal development for all babies.
Elizabeth Agrapidis is a caring & service driven professional educator, pediatric physical therapist, teacher, NDT certified practitioner, author, toy inventor, wife and a mom of two. She is putting many of the puzzle pieces of whole child development together for infant and perinatal professionals and moms from the convenience of your home through the Neuro-Play Method & consultant program.
As a neuro pediatric physical therapist, PE teacher, and adaptive PE teacher for children with special needs, she noticed that there was a gap and missing information for parents after delivery and she wanted to help with children’s early development from that point on in her journey. She now takes that knowledge and practical experience and provides hands-on developmental sequences, strategies, knowledge and tools through consulting, mentoring, and her online program.
Social Links & Website
www.abilifit.org
www.facebook.com/elizabethagrapidis
www.instagram.com/abilift_pedidev
In this episode, Dawn Thompson and Nicole Harlot engage with Jaimie Zaki to discuss the critical aspects of maternal health, particularly focusing on breastfeeding. They explore the interconnectedness of birth and breastfeeding, the impact of medical interventions, and the emotional trauma that can arise from childbirth experiences. Jamie emphasizes the importance of understanding the maternal health system, the role of IV fluids, and the necessity of proper latching techniques. The conversation also highlights the significance of seeking support from lactation consultants and trusting one's intuition in navigating breastfeeding challenges. Additionally, they touch on the topic of tongue and lip ties and their implications for breastfeeding success.
Jaimie is an IBCLC and mom of 5 dedicated to helping women prevent and overcome breastfeeding challenges so they can enjoy breastfeeding with a sense of peace and confidence. Jaimie is the founder of the Confident MamaBear Society where she teaches & supports pregnant and breastfeeding mothers across the United States how to shut out the toxic whispers of the world and embrace their God-given intuition to make confident feeding decisions.www.littlebearlactation.com/latchingwithconfidencewww.instagram.com/littlebearlactation
In this episode, hosts Dawn Thompson and Nicole Harlot engage in a candid discussion about the complexities of labor induction, cesarean births, and the importance of maternal health education. They share personal experiences and insights on the impact of medical interventions in childbirth, the significance of listening to one's intuition, and the need for informed decision-making in maternity care. The conversation emphasizes the importance of support systems, such as doulas and midwives, and challenges the conventional views surrounding birth experiences.
Takeaways
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.