The Mindful Womb Podcast

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The Mindful Womb Podcast

Clara O'Rourke - Clear Light Birth

102 episodes

12 hours ago

We’re exploring a topic that often sparks curiosity (and sometimes a little skepticism): placenta encapsulation. Our guest, Adwapa Asensio—doula, mother, and founder of DouDouKare—joins Clara to unpack the science, culture, and spirit behind this centuries-old practice. Adwapa describes birth as both sacred and messy, and her journey into placenta encapsulation grew from a deep desire to honor the body’s innate wisdom. Together, we discuss: What placenta encapsulation actually is (and how it’...

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We’re exploring a topic that often sparks curiosity (and sometimes a little skepticism): placenta encapsulation. Our guest, Adwapa Asensio—doula, mother, and founder of DouDouKare—joins Clara to unpack the science, culture, and spirit behind this centuries-old practice. Adwapa describes birth as both sacred and messy, and her journey into placenta encapsulation grew from a deep desire to honor the body’s innate wisdom. Together, we discuss: What placenta encapsulation actually is (and how it’...

Show more...

Episodes (20/102)

The Mindful Womb Podcast

101: The Forgotten Vitamin: Exploring the Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation - with Adwapa Asenso

We’re exploring a topic that often sparks curiosity (and sometimes a little skepticism): placenta encapsulation. Our guest, Adwapa Asensio—doula, mother, and founder of DouDouKare—joins Clara to unpack the science, culture, and spirit behind this centuries-old practice. Adwapa describes birth as both sacred and messy, and her journey into placenta encapsulation grew from a deep desire to honor the body’s innate wisdom. Together, we discuss: What placenta encapsulation actually is (and how it’...

1 week ago

50 minutes

The Mindful Womb Podcast

100. Why Control Doesn’t Equal Safety in Birth & What to Do Instead

Birth isn’t something to be controlled—it’s something to be surrendered to. Through real stories, gentle wisdom, and practical reflection, we explore why control can actually hinder the birthing process—and how cultivating trust, presence, and self-compassion can open the door to a more empowered experience. You’ll learn: Why “doing everything right” doesn’t guarantee a smooth birthHow the myth of control creates tension and slows laborWhat surrender really means (and what it’s not)A client...

3 weeks ago

27 minutes

The Mindful Womb Podcast

99: The Power of Partnership: How Kim & Will Prepared for a Powerful Birth

Welcoming a baby is never just about the birth itself—it’s about preparing, learning, adapting, and building a strong foundation as partners. In this conversation, Clara sits down with Kim and Will Kneeland, parents to 14-month-old Lily, to explore how intentional preparation and community support shaped their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. Whether you’re planning your first birth or supporting someone who is, Kim and Will’s story proves that knowledge, teamwork, and flexibility cr...

1 month ago

56 minutes

The Mindful Womb Podcast

98: When Life Feels Uncertain: Trusting Yourself Through Birth and Beyond

Uncertainty is one of life’s only constants. Whether you’re awaiting labor, navigating a breakup, or supporting a loved one through illness, not knowing what comes next can feel like freefall. In this intimate solo episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast, I open up about the seasons of my own life that shook me to the core: the unraveling of my marriage,a complete career pivot, andmy mother’s breast-cancer diagnosis.These experiences became unexpected teachers—mirroring the mystery of pregnancy a...

1 month ago

36 minutes

The Mindful Womb Podcast

97: What No One Told Me About Postpartum—and Why I Became a Postpartum Doula- with Sam Byington

In this tender, deeply affirming episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast, I sit down with Sam Byington—former private chef turned postpartum doula and certified lactation counselor—for a conversation every parent deserves to hear. We go beyond diaper tips and freezer meals to talk about the real postpartum: the identity shifts, the relationship changes, the raw beauty, and the quiet grief no one warns you about. Sam shares her personal story of miscarriage, birth, and the messy, magical transform...

2 months ago

1 hour 1 minute

The Mindful Womb Podcast

96: Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy? Answers, Tips & What No One Tells You

Okay — let’s talk about sex. Yes, sex during pregnancy. This is one of those topics that so many people wonder about, but few feel safe or comfortable asking out loud. In this episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast, we’re breaking the silence and diving into the truth about intimacy, safety, and desire during pregnancy. You’ll learn: What kinds of sex are generally safe during pregnancyWhen to check in with your provider before getting intimateHow libido can shift trimester by trimesterNon-tradi...

2 months ago

21 minutes

The Mindful Womb Podcast

95: Trust Your Baby, Trust Your Body: Navigating High Risk Pregnancy as a Black Woman - with Farida Graham

In this powerful episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast, I sit down with Farida Graham—educator, leader, and proud parent to 14-month-old Tammy—for an unfiltered, heartfelt conversation about navigating a high-risk pregnancy, confronting systemic bias, and fiercely advocating for herself as a Black birthing person. We cover: The unexpected shift to “high-risk” at 20 weeks and what that really felt likeHow Farida made the courageous decision to switch care providersReplacing exercise with nervous...

3 months ago

54 minutes

The Mindful Womb Podcast

94: Epidural Expectations vs. Reality: What You Need to Know Before Birth

Have “get the epidural” circled on your birth plan? Or maybe you’re curious but not sure if it’s for you? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what epidurals really are, how they work, what they don’t do—and why preparation still matters deeply, even if you’re planning on pain meds. We’ll explore: What epidurals actually do (and don’t do)How they’re administered, and what it feels likeCommon misconceptions that leave people unpreparedSide effects and interventions that often com...

3 months ago

29 minutes

The Mindful Womb Podcast

93: The Fertility & Pelvic Floor Connection No One Talks About - with Mitali Mohanan

In this powerful episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast, I sit down with pelvic floor physical therapist Mitali Mohanan (she/her) to explore one of the most overlooked pieces of reproductive health: the pelvic floor. Often dismissed until postpartum, this essential group of muscles plays a foundational role in fertility, hormone regulation, emotional well-being, and more. From her own journey after birth trauma to becoming a passionate advocate for this work, Mitali walks us through the misunder...

4 months ago

58 minutes

The Mindful Womb Podcast

92: How to Advocate for Yourself in Birth (Even If You’re Not Assertive)

You’ve probably heard the advice: “You need to advocate for yourself during labor.” But what does that actually mean—especially if you’re not someone who feels naturally assertive? In this episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast, we’re unpacking what self-advocacy really looks like in the birth space. From debunking myths to sharing grounded communication tools and real-life phrases you can use during labor, this episode is your guide to feeling informed, calm, and in control—even in the most int...

4 months ago

19 minutes

The Mindful Womb Podcast

91: What I Wish Everyone Knew About Preparing for Birth

In this episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast, we're busting the myth of the "perfect" birth plan. Birth prep is not about having every stage memorized or packing the right playlist—it's about knowing how to meet birth as it is. Clara shares the five essential pillars of true birth preparation that go beyond the checklist and into your inner strength. What You’ll Learn: Why most birth plans fall short—and what to do insteadHow values-based birth planning can guide your decisionsTools to regulat...

5 months ago

15 minutes

The Mindful Womb Podcast

90: From Control to Trust: The Essential Truth of Birthing Confidently

Surrender Is Not Weakness—It’s Wisdom: A Personal Story from Bali, Silence, and Back Again Episode Description: What if surrender wasn’t about giving up—but about finding your deepest strength? In this deeply personal episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast, Clara shares an unexpected chapter from her life: losing her voice after returning from a transformative retreat in Bali. What began as frustration became a profound reminder of a truth she teaches every birthing person she works with: 🌿 Sur...

5 months ago

26 minutes

The Mindful Womb Podcast

89: How to Create a Birth Experience That Honors You - with midwife Caitlyn Schollmeier

In this powerful episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast, I sit down with certified nurse midwife, childbirth educator, and founder of Lila, Caitlyn Schollmeier. Together, we unpack how birthing people can reclaim their power and create a deeply meaningful, autonomous, and empowering birth experience. We explore: How to shift away from fear-based narratives and embrace birth as a rite of passageWhat it means to create an intentional birth space—even in a hospitalHow clothing choices (like labor g...

6 months ago

56 minutes

The Mindful Womb Podcast

88: BIRTH STORY: From Science to Surrender, A Biologist’s Empowered Birth Story- with Emilie Wilder

Welcoming a new life into the world is one of the most profound experiences a person can have. But how do you prepare for something as unpredictable as birth? In this episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast, I sit down with Emily Wilder, a biologist and first-time parent, to hear how she prepared for birth with intention—and how she learned to trust her body and the process along the way. Emily shares how her research-driven approach gave her confidence, how she used affirmations and mindset tool...

6 months ago

53 minutes

The Mindful Womb Podcast

87: The Science & Spirit of Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond - with Lara Heimann

What if yoga could do more than improve flexibility? What if it could transform the way you move, breathe, and experience birth? In this episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast, I’m joined by Lara Heimann, a renowned leader in yoga and the creator of LYT (Lara’s Yoga Technique). We explore the deep connection between movement, breathwork, and body awareness—especially in the context of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. Tune in to hear: ✔️ How yoga bridges the gap between science and spi...

6 months ago

54 minutes

The Mindful Womb Podcast

86: Birth Support Tips for Partners: Essential Comfort Measures, Advocacy, and Mindset Tips

When we think of birth support, we often picture a partner holding a hand or offering ice chips. But true birth support is so much more than that. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the essential role of a birth partner—how they can regulate stress, create an environment of safety and trust, and actively advocate during labor. We’ll explore hands-on comfort measures, emotional grounding techniques, and what it really means to be a prepared and engaged birth partner. What You’ll Learn in ...

6 months ago

27 minutes

The Mindful Womb Podcast

85: Intimacy After Baby: Rebuilding Connection in the Postpartum Period - with Dr Michele Waldron

Bringing a baby into the world is a life-changing experience, but it also introduces major shifts in intimacy and connection for couples. In this episode I sit down with Dr. Michele Waldron, clinical psychologist and certified sex therapist, to talk about navigating the postpartum period with intention and care. We explore: ✅ Why intimacy changes after birth (hormones, exhaustion, body image, and shifting roles) ✅ How to communicate openly about your needs without guilt or pressure ✅ The scie...

6 months ago

57 minutes

The Mindful Womb Podcast

84: Stop Overpaying! Maximize What Your Insurance Covers for Birth & Beyond

When preparing for birth, most families budget for hospital bills, but did you know your insurance may cover much more? From childbirth education and lactation support to postpartum recovery and mental health care, there are hidden benefits in many health plans that could save you thousands of dollars. In this episode, we break down: ✅ The essential birth & postpartum services your insurance may cover ✅ Key CPT codes to use when calling your provider ✅ How to get reimbursed for childbirth...

7 months ago

16 minutes

The Mindful Womb Podcast

83: Cultivating Pelvic Floor Awareness for Athletes - with Dr. Linsey Roth

Many athletes and active individuals focus on strength, endurance, and mobility—but what about pelvic floor health? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lindsay Roth, a pelvic floor therapist and functional strength coach, to discuss how pelvic floor function impacts performance, recovery, and overall well-being. Dr. Roth explains how the pelvic floor plays a critical role in core stability, injury prevention, and even breathing mechanics. We uncover common but often overlooked signs of pelvi...

7 months ago

43 minutes

The Mindful Womb Podcast

82: Unlocking the Power of Your Menstrual Cycle: A Guide to Fertility Awareness - with Julie Lipsett

Did you know that your menstrual cycle is one of the best indicators of your overall health? In this episode, I sit down with Julie Lipsett, a certified fertility awareness educator and therapist, to discuss how cycle tracking can be a game-changer for understanding your body, balancing hormones, and making informed choices about fertility and contraception. We explore: ✅ What fertility awareness really is (and how it differs from the rhythm method) ✅ The key signs of fertility, including c...

7 months ago

53 minutes