Ep 98 Description:  “Once you have the facts, once you have confidence in your information, you have confidence in your decision. You don't need to justify that to anyone. It's not your job to educate the world unless you decide it is.” —Jen Kamel VBAC— Vaginal Birth After Cesarean is a common yet controversial choice that many birthing people face. While the evidence has long supported VBAC as a safe option for most, widespread myths and misinformation continue to obscure the facts.  In this episode, leading VBAC advocate Jen Kamel sets out to separate myth from reality once and for all. She delves into the numerous misconceptions that have taken hold over the years: from beliefs that VBAC is only suitable for a select few, to exaggerations of its risks, to the idea that repeat c-sections are always safer.  Debra and Jen also discuss practical tips on finding supportive providers and navigating unsupportive opinions, the importance of fully informed consent, and the power of realizing one's autonomy in their birth decisions despite barriers. For anyone with a personal or professional stake in empowering low-risk vaginal births, this can't-miss discussion is a must-listen to counter the barrage of VBAC myths and understand the option in its proper evidence-based light.   If you are a doula, nurse, midwife, or birth worker who would like to expand your practice with pleasure and Orgasmic Birth - Learn more at https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/orgasmic-birth-practitioner-training/    Debra also has a class on positively preparing for a cesarean or a VBAC vaginal birth after cesarean https://orgasmicbirth.thinkific.com/courses/cesarean-vbac  Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 02:47 Advocacy for Respectful Care 07:18 VBAC Risks, Candidacy, and Decision-Making 12:21 Finding Supportive Providers 16:59 VBAC Access and Midwifery Legislation 20:46 VBAC Rates and Barriers in the US   25:29 VBAC Tools and Resources  

Ep 97 Description:  “If that's something that I could encourage other pregnant people to do, is to try to have that clarity about their wants and their needs and their desires, and then to verbalize from a place of clarity to their provider. That inner state of clarity is very important in the conversation.” —Nicole Heidbreder “My job was to not try to fix things and be more of a listener.”  —Amir Niroumand While vaginal birth is often seen as the ideal, for many birthing experts a medically-necessary cesarean section is the safest option. However, the sterility and clinical nature of surgery can make cesareans feel less personal than desired. But with intentional planning, cesareans can still honor a person's needs and vision for birth.  In this episode, we are joined by DONA International approved Birth doula trainer, Nicole Heidbreder and her partner, Amir Niromand. As a labor and delivery nurse and birth doula of many years, Nicole had clear visions for her own birth plans. However, after struggling to conceive for over a year and experiencing multiple miscarriages, she was forced to reconsider everything. Nicole and Amir discuss their journey trying to conceive for over a year, which included multiple miscarriages. Nicole explains how her history as a labor and delivery nurse and doula led to shifting her birth plans after being diagnosed with fibroids. She details emotionally accepting surgery and a planned cesarean. Nicole created a supportive medical team and shares her vision for a "magnificent cesarean" honoring her, Amir, and their transition to parenthood, outlining her birth and postpartum plans.  Tune in and learn the importance of grieving loss, the role of clear communication with medical providers, the impact of community support, and the power of crafting a birth centered on the birthing person's needs, voice, and choice. If you are a doula, nurse, midwife, or birth worker who would like to expand your practice with pleasure and Orgasmic Birth - Learn more at https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/orgasmic-birth-practitioner-training/    Debra also has a class on positively preparing for a cesarean or a VBAC vaginal birth after cesarean https://orgasmicbirth.thinkific.com/courses/cesarean-vbac  Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 02:59 pregnancy and Loss  10:43 Shifting Birth Vision and Creating a Supportive team 16:42 Grief and Healing After Pregnancy Loss 20:48 Preparation for a Planned Cesarean Section   26:43 Postpartum Preferences  32:10 The Role of the Community in Providing Supportive Care 34:39 Honoring the Mother’s Voice and Choice  

Ep 96 Description:  “Preparing ahead is important as birth trauma often happens when the unexpected happens, and your voice and choice are not heard or honored.” —Debra Pascali-Bonaro While many expectant parents envision an ideal birth experience, it's important to prepare for the possibility that things may not unfold as planned. Complications can arise that require medical intervention for the health and safety of the mother and baby. A caring provider will discuss all options to find the best solution. Having discussed preferences for interventions like cesarean birth ahead of time allows expectant parents' voices to still be heard and choices respected, even when flexibility is needed. An open and understanding perspective and support system can help ensure that however birth transpires, it is still a meaningful experience bringing new life into the world. Discover proven strategies to give your cesarean birth experience the love, care, and meaning you envision for welcoming your new baby into the world as your host, Debra, talks about how to positively prepare your mindset for the experience, discuss your preferences with your healthcare providers, and enhance the sensory aspects to allow delaying interventions. Plus learn how reflecting on your birth can help with processing and healing.   If you are a doula, nurse, midwife, or birth worker who would like to expand your practice with pleasure and Orgasmic Birth - Learn more at https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/orgasmic-birth-practitioner-training/    Debra also has a class on positively preparing for a cesarean or a VBAC vaginal birth after cesarean https://orgasmicbirth.thinkific.com/courses/cesarean-vbac  Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 03:56 Enhancing Childbirth Experience Through Sensory Details 08:02 Cesarean Birth Choices and Support 14:06 Birth and Postpartum Care for a Safe and Supported Experience  17:59 Planning a Gentle Cesarean Birth  

Ep 95 Description:  “The moment I said this actually hurts, it felt incorrect. It felt like ‘pain’ was too shallow of a word. And then I realized what I'm feeling is power.” —Carina Devi   When pregnant with her second baby, Carina Devi embraced the joy of pregnancy rather than intensive preparation. Her labor brought intense yet transformative sensations.   In part two of "It's Not Pain, It's Power", Carina discusses how the wisdom and lessons from her orgasmic first birth experience empowered and strengthened her through subsequent challenges like divorce and single motherhood.   Join the conversation as Carina talks about navigating postdate pregnancy and feelings of frustration with restrictions from her midwife, as well as powerful lessons on preparing mentally for birth while trusting your body's innate wisdom and design for empowered childbearing.   If you are a doula, nurse, midwife, or birth worker who would like to expand your practice with pleasure and Orgasmic Birth - Learn more at https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/orgasmic-birth-practitioner-training/    Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 02:22 Birth Wisdom and Empowerment  10:03 Finding Solace Durin Contractions 15:30 Labor Techniques  21:46 Reframing Pain as Power   27:23 Navigating the Pushing Stage 32:34 The Depth of a Woman’s Strength 36:04 Postpartum Emotions and Challenges  

Ep 94 Description:  “The only way out is through… There's only one way for this to end, and it is by me saying yes, and pushing my baby out.” —Carina Devi Birth is a profound and transformative experience that has the power to deeply impact a woman's life. However, for too long, societal expectations have portrayed childbirth as something to simply endure, focusing on pain management rather than empowerment. Hence, it is crucial to reclaim birth as a natural and meaningful process through education and care. When supported to follow their inner wisdom, women experience birth as the profound act of creation it truly is. This week’s episode features an empowering birth story from Carina Devi. When Carina became pregnant, she prepared carefully for a peaceful experience. Raw, primal birth cries and pleasure at her son's delivery stay with her as a defining life experience. Tune in as Debra and Carina talk about preparing mindfully for birth, trusting one's ability to cope with intensity, and finding empowerment even when challenging moments arise during labor.     If you are a doula, nurse, midwife, or birth worker who would like to expand your practice with pleasure and Orgasmic Birth - Learn more at https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/orgasmic-birth-practitioner-training/    Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 02:31 The Impact of a Mother's Birth Experience on Her Child's Development.  05:28 The Power of Imprinting on the Experience 11:50 Labor Progressions and Challenges 16:44 Controlling Contractions  19:26 Labor Sensations and Breathing Techniques 24:52 Childbirth Bliss and Empowerment 30:14 Embracing the Experience Despite Fear and Discomfort  

Ep 93 Description:  “If you feel good in your body, your baby's gonna feel good in your body.” —Rachel Yellin   While birth is a natural and beautiful process, it also involves significant pain for many women. As the baby moves through the birth canal during labor and delivery, the cervix must dilate fully and the perineum may stretch considerably. For some, these physical changes can cause intense discomfort, pressure, and even sharp pains. However, with the right techniques and strategies, women can feel more in control and confident during this challenging but rewarding part of becoming a mother. In this episode, Birth Expert, Rachel Yellin, reveals her top techniques for having more "WOW" and less "OW" in labor. Rachel has helped thousands of women have satisfying and empowering birth experiences. Through her classes, programs, and private sessions, she empowers women to reconnect with their bodies, trust their instincts, and feel confident about birth.    Listen in as Debra and Rachel share techniques for down-regulating the nervous system to align with instinctual birth, practices to help activate the parasympathetic nervous system for gentle and easy birthing, plus helpful tools and resources to feel fully supported and in control of your body during the birthing process. If you are a doula, nurse, midwife, or birth worker who would like to expand your practice with pleasure and Orgasmic Birth - Learn more at https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/orgasmic-birth-practitioner-training/    Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 02:52 Personal Birth Experience and Its Impact on Life Choices  06:37 Birth Preparation and Nervous System Regulation  12:26 Breathing Techniques for Relaxation and Childbirth 16:52 6 Techniques to Regulate the Nervous System 20:48 More WOW!, Less Ow!  

Ep 92 Description:  “Female pleasure is the most natural thing for us. Shame is something that we have learned as a society, but it's not the way we were designed.” —Dr. Jenny Martin Childbirth is often defined by pain, fear, and medical intervention— but what if there was another way? Ancient wisdom traditions understood birth as a sacred, transformative process that could activate deep states of pleasure and connection through a woman's primal brain-heart-womb axis. Pioneers are now rediscovering these possibilities, teaching that our very biology is wired for ecstasy during labor and delivery when supported by safety, trust, and an open mind.  This episode explores the profound yet often overlooked capacities of the female body during birth and sexuality with our guest, Dr. Jenny Martin. Dr. Martin is a pioneer in the field of orgasmic birthing and the psychedelic cervix model. Through her teachings, she helps women understand their innate capacity for spiritual experience and pleasure during childbirth by activating their genital-brain and heart-cervix connections. Listen in as Debra and Dr. Martin reveal how a woman's unique genital-brain connection allows her cervix and uterus to directly interface with the brain and central nervous system, simple techniques to help activate the "psychedelic cervix", how endogenous psychedelics in women's bodies can help create an effortless, nurturing passage for both mother and baby, societal myths around female sexuality and spirituality, and science-backed case for our innate human capacity for sacred pleasure and consciousness expansion.    If you are a doula, nurse, midwife, or birth worker who would like to expand your practice with pleasure and Orgasmic Birth - Learn more at https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/orgasmic-birth-practitioner-training/    Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471  Episode Highlights: 02:32 Unlocking a Woman’s Sexual Potential Through Birth 06:34 Psychedelics and Neuroprotection 13:42 Challenging Societal Norms 17:36 The Psychedelic Cervix 24:19 Sexual Empowerment During Pregnancy  28:55 Reclaiming Feminine Power Through Surrender  

Ep. 91 Description:  “The orgasmic nature of a woman is our inherent nature; it really is working with your senses. Your body knows how to birth the baby.” —Lovisa Dahl    An empowered birth lays bare a woman's innate strength. Months of preparation have led her to know herself as deserving of comfort, respect, and full autonomy over her birthing journey. Exhausted yet buoyant, she cradles new life and, in doing so, embraces her capacity for miraculous creation. This week’s episode is focused on the best practices for embracing the full potential of our feminine strength before and during childbirth.  Lovisa Dahl is a birth coach dedicated to healing through birth by empowering women to embrace pleasure and intuition. With three home births of her own and studies in feminine embodiment, she mentors mothers through orgasmic living and guides them to their most empowered birth experiences. Listen in to discover key pillars for optimal birth preparation, practical tips for feeling connected and in control during labor, the role of community, and the power of mindful surrender in making intense moments blissful.    If you are a doula, nurse, midwife, or birth worker who would like to expand your practice with pleasure and Orgasmic Birth — Learn more at https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/orgasmic-birth-practitioner-training/      Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471    Episode Highlights: 01:47 Preparing for a Positive Birth Experience 08:16 The Key to Empowered Birth 14:48 How to Experience an Orgasmic Birth 20:31 Natural Birth Techniques  28:24 Breathwork and Mindfulness for Conscious Birthing

Ep 90 Description:  “Midwives are trained that pregnancy is a normal function of the human body, it's wellness that occasionally goes wrong, as opposed to the doctors who think it's an illness that occasionally goes right.” —Dr. Stuart Fischbein   At times, the medicalized one-size-fits-all model can fall short. For far too long, childbirth has been dominated by rigid medical protocols that prioritize efficiency over empowering each woman's unique needs. However, true safety lies in respecting birth as a natural process and supporting each mother's physical and emotional well-being. By embracing uncertainty and honoring a woman's innate wisdom, the system can shift from fear to trust— empowering all who bring new life into this world.    This week, Debra sits with Dr. Stuart Fischbein to share an insightful look at shifting from a fear-based model of childbirth to one that is truly woman-centered. For over 40 years, Dr. Stuart Fischbein practiced obstetrics within a medicalized system, only to realize it fell short of empowering women and honoring birth as a natural process. Through his collaboration with midwives and experiences attending home births, Dr. Fischbein underwent a profound transformation in his approach.  In this candid discussion, he draws from his unique perspective within both the medical and midwifery worlds to shed light on how interventions are too often prioritized over informed consent. Join in as Debra and Dr. Stu discuss the differences between midwifery and physician training, limitations of the modern hospital system, criticisms of home birth safety, the role of doctors and midwives in medicalized birth, the issue around disregard for individualized care, unnecessary medical interventions, and finding a good team for an empowered birth experience.   Connect with Debra! Website Instagram  X  YouTube Tik Tok Linkedin  Episode Highlights: 03:06 Transitioning to Midwifery Model  06:12 The Limitations of Hospital Births  15:07 Midwifery vs Medical Model in Childbirth 20:58 Home Birth Safety vs Hospital Birth Safety 23:25 Informed Consent in Childbirth 28:38 Natural Birth Practices and Challenges 34:05 Women Deserve All Reasonable Options      

How can understanding and using your 'BRAINS' transform your childbirth experience into a positive and empowering journey?   In this insightful episode of the Orgasmic Birth podcast, host Debra Pascali-Bonaro enlightens listeners on the power of making informed decisions during childbirth. She introduces the 'BRAINS' acronym as a tool for expectant mothers and their support teams to navigate the myriad of choices and challenges that arise during birth. From exploring the benefits and risks of various birth interventions to trusting one's intuition and setting boundaries, Debra guides listeners through each letter of 'BRAINS', offering a comprehensive approach to achieving a pleasurable and positive birth experience.   In This Episode:   Learn the 'BRAINS' acronym as a decision-making tool. The importance of feeling seen and heard during childbirth. Empowering women to create orgasmic birth stories. The role of science in informing childbirth decisions. Stories illustrating the importance of respecting personal boundaries in childbirth. How to communicate needs and preferences effectively. Balancing medical advice with personal comfort and safety.   Key Takeaways:   Understanding the positive outcomes of each birthing option and intervention is crucial. It is vital to be aware of the potential risks associated with various birthing choices. Exploring a range of options in the birthing process, from natural methods to medical interventions, allows for a more personalized birth experience. Trusting the body that grows the baby can lead to powerful, intuitive decisions during childbirth. Honoring personal needs and boundaries, and understanding when to say no, or not now, is a key aspect of maintaining control over the birth experience. Ensuring safety and keeping the hormones of love and pleasure flowing are critical for a positive birth experience.     Key Quote:   "Birth is powerful and it may sound simple to ensure that you are respected, supported, and a part of decision-making. But it's not that easy." - Debra Pascali-Bonaro     Connect with Debra!   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1 Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471/     Visit https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/ for more information on how to Positively Prepare for birth and parenting     Check out Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret, the film creating buzz around the world!    Orgasmic Birth Podcast: Pleasure in pregnancy, birth, and parenting. I believe pleasure is our birthright - from our sexuality, birth, parenting, and beyond, we can find pleasure when we create space for joy and intimacy in our lives. Join me to have deep conversations about breaking the taboos of Sexuality + Motherhood/Parenthood.   Listen to leading experts in sexuality, healing, and childbirth, as well as stories from new parents, doulas, doctors, midwives, and nurses. We will discuss how to positively prepare for childbirth and parenting by expanding love and intimacy in your life.