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Therapy For Moms 
(Formerly Healing After Birth)

Therapy For Moms (Formerly Healing After Birth)

By Jennifer Summerfeldt, MACP, CCC

This is a podcast for moms, parents, and birth workers who want to be inspired and explore matters of the heart.

- Are you struggling with motherhood?
- Are you having a hard time during the postpartum period?
- Did you have a difficult, challenging, or traumatic childbirth experience?
- Do you want to learn more about postpartum mental health?

Join me, your host Jennifer, Chief Empathy Officer of ASK Therapy for Moms and Author of Healing After Birth and Midwifery For The Soul, as I explore these topics and more.
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Currently playing episode

Empowered Health with Journalist Emily Kumler

Therapy For Moms (Formerly Healing After Birth)Aug 03, 2020

00:00
55:44
Loving Kindness Meditation: Mindful Monday
Mar 15, 202211:33
No Social Media: Fearless Friday
Mar 04, 202207:48
Let's Breath: Mindful Monday
Feb 28, 202214:58
Flipping the Lid and TIMES to Change Channels - Mindful Mondays
Feb 07, 202214:22
Fearless Friday - What is Fear?

Fearless Friday - What is Fear?

We kick off Fearless Friday with an info episode all about fear through a nervous system informed lens. Remember these are short sound bites. 

In this 20 min episode I introduce you to your survival system and your thriving system. I walk you through an embodied understanding of fear as a messenger. I lay the foundation principle of separating the emotional response to a survival state and the story the mind attaches to the sensation of fear. 

Links and references provided throughout this episode: 

Dr. Doug Tataryn and the Bio-emotive Framework > You can listen to our podcast chat HERE (note we got cut off a lot, however, the content is rich)

*note: I mentioned sadness as the third survival emotional however, Doug names anger and fear as the survival emotions. I explain why I link sadness to a survival emotion as it pertains to the dorsal vagal state of shut down and collapse.  


To schedule an intake call with our intake therapist > www.therapyformoms.ca 

To learn more about nervous system informed doula training > www.nsidoulatraining.com

Jan 29, 202223:28
Three Centres of Knowing - Mindful Monday
Jan 18, 202215:10
Welcome Back: Changes and Pivoting Podcast

Welcome Back: Changes and Pivoting Podcast

Jennifer shares about what she has been up to the past 18 months and her exciting news to pivot the podcast to include weekly mindful Mondays episodes that are short and full of soul medicine. 

Jan 14, 202208:46
Boundaries In The Birth Room with Hermine Hayes-Klein

Boundaries In The Birth Room with Hermine Hayes-Klein

I am so excited to share this podcast with the world of listeners! Hermine is a gem and if you have not yet heard of her, you will become a huge fan after listening to this podcast. Hermine is an American lawyer who started the non-profit organization: Human Rights in Childbirth. She speaks all around the world and is known for her talks on informed consent and human rights in childbirth. She represents mothers, families, and childbirth professionals globally. She is fierce, full of heart, and wise.  Hermine and I will be co-facilitating a workshop for childbirth professionals May 16 and 17th, 2020, in Kelowna, BC, Canada.  Effective Advocacy for Respectful and Supportive Childbirth Experiences: A Workshop About Communication, Informed Consent, and Responsibility for the Childbirth Professional > CLICK HERE to register and learn more. Topics of Conversation What inspired you to become an advocate for human rights in childbirth? The prevalence of childbirth trauma Some of the main presenting problems, complaints, and issues you represent The role of the doula What are the childbirth rights?  The three needs Process of informed consent A need for better boundaries in the birth room Professional Bio: Hermine Hayes-Klein is an attorney and international advocate for women's rights in maternal healthcare.  From 2008 - 2012, Hermine taught international law at The Hague University in The Netherlands, where she was the director of a research center for reproductive rights.  Since 2012, Hermine has organized six multi-stakeholder international conferences on human rights in childbirth, in Europe, the US, South Africa, and India, spoken publicly around the world on human rights in maternal healthcare, consulted on legislation relating to birth and breastfeeding in multiple jurisdictions, and worked directly on many legal cases relating to midwifery, informed consent, shared decision-making, and modern maternity care. Hermine and her family live in Portland, Oregon, USA. Learn more > www.hayeskleinlaw.com
Dec 15, 202055:23
Empowered Health with Journalist Emily Kumler

Empowered Health with Journalist Emily Kumler

Please note: This podcast was recorded before the pandemic. However, I still believe it is a pertinent interview that needs to be shared. 

What a thrilling conversation I had with Emily Kumler Kaplin! 

Emily is passionate about women's health and how women are underrepresented within medical research. 

In today's podcast Emily spoke about:

  • What it was like growing up in a household with two feminists and how it shaped who she is today
  • Her experience with birth and what she learned
  • The similarities between the 'tech' industry and the birthing 'tech' industry
  • The 'Why' behind her drive to create the EmpoweredHealth podcast and what she was noticing 
  • Who women are constantly being dismissed over health issues and that she wants them to have good information about their bodies so that they can take their power back
  • The shadow side of industrialized childbirth and how black women are more likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth, and are being ignored by the system
  • In closing, what her greatest take away so far has been in relation to her quest to change the conversation around women's health


Emily's Bio

Emily Kumler Kaplan is an award-winning investigative journalist. As an ABC news staffer, newspaper reporter, columnist, and magazine writer, she has gone inside the minds of murderers, world leaders, celebrities, business innovators, and everyone in between. Emily’s fascination with how our personal narratives play a major role in our experiences makes her a captivating writer and speaker. She currently hosts the Empowered Health podcast. She contributes to the The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, Good Morning America, The New York Daily News, Cosmopolitan Magazine, The Daily Beast, and other media outlets. She also writes a health column for Boston Magazine.

Emily’s current projects include:

Empowered Health Podcast: www.EmpoweredHealthShow.com, established to share evidence-based scientific research on women’s bodies, health, experiences that will allow them to lead healthier, happier lives

Column in Boston Magazine, Empowered Health with Emily Kumler

Prime Fitness: three brick and mortar wellness centers for middle-aged women www.MyPrimeFitness.com

Two business advice book deals with publisher, Harper Collins Leadership

Freelancing for: The New York Times, Daily Beast, New York Daily News, Boston Globe, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Good Morning American, 20/20 and Primetime

Emily's social profiles are:
@EmpoweredHealthPod on Instagram
@EmpoweredPod on Twitter
and Emily's accounts are
@NewsNotNoise - Instagram
@EmilyKumler - Twitter

Aug 03, 202055:44
For the Love of Birth with Anne Margolis

For the Love of Birth with Anne Margolis

I am thrilled to have had the pleasure of interviewing Anne. She holds a wealth of information and wisdom. She is passionate about all things related to motherhood and parenthood. I wanted to gather some of Anne's stories to share with all of you. 

Together we explored these topics of conversation: 

  • What inspired Anne to serve families in the ways that she does
  • What is unique about her childbirth preparation course - Love Your Birth
  • How she helps mothers heal from childbirth trauma
  • The power of Clarity Breathwork
  • What she does to prevent burnout from setting in - hint the need for boundaries
  • What she is noticing today, that is different from 20 years ago within the field of birth  


Bio:  Anne Margolis, CNM, LM, MSN, BSN, RN

Anne Margolis is a Licensed Certified Nurse MidwifeLicensed Femme! TeacherCertified Clarity Breathwork Practitioner, Yoga Teacher and practitioner. She is a 3rd generation guide to mommas birthing babies in her family. Anne has helped thousands of families in her 20+ year midwifery practice and has personally ushered the births of over 1000 healthy babies into the world. She has also guided countless human beings to heal from emotional pain, inner stress and trauma, tap into their strength and power, live fully and vibrantly, and reclaim their radiance, joyfulness, calm and overall sense of well-being.

Through her online childbirth course 'Love Your Birth', her online and in-person midwifery for pregnancy and postpartum support consultations, her birth professional mentoring, her holistic gynecology, Clairty Breathwork and Femme! experience offerings she infuses wisdom, compassion, inspiration, and joy into the entire process of women’s health care from teen aged years to menopause, as well as into facilitating incredible healing and wellness for both men and women of all ages.

Anne is a two times number one national and international best selling author of 'Natural Birth Secrets: An Insiders Guide How To Give Birth Holistically, Healthfully and Safely, and Love the Experience', and also 'Trauma Release Formula: The Revolutionary Step by Step Program for Eliminating Effects of Childhood Abuse, Trauma, Emotional Pain and Crippling Inner Stress, to Living in Joy without Drugs or Therapy.'

Anne’s work, insights and advice have been seen on TV shows and movies including 4 episodes of 'A Baby Story' on TLC Discovery Channel, and the award winning feature documentary, 'Orgasmic Birth' and 'The Human Longevity Project.'

To learn more about Anne and her incredible work check out her website: https://homesweethomebirth.com/anne-margolis


Feb 19, 202001:04:10
Recovery After Pregnancy and Infant Loss with Liz Winters

Recovery After Pregnancy and Infant Loss with Liz Winters

**Sensitive Topic of Conversation**

In this episode of the Healing After Birth podcast I spoke with Liz Winters about her lived experience with pregnancy loss. 

Liz openly shares about:

  • The challenges faced in the postpartum after losing her son at 39 weeks; 
  • The isolation; 
  • The anger; 
  • Rebuilding trust in her body;
  • Mindfulness in pregnancy after loss;
  • How she is dealing with fear and anxiety during pregnancy after loss;
  • Her honest reflections on the 'gift' of grief and how she doesn't align with that notion

During this candid heartfelt conversation about postpartum, motherhood, grief, and health, Liz did not hold back. She was honest, reflective, and insightful. 


Professional Bio:

Liz Winters is a nutritional therapy practitioner, certified pre and postnatal coach, unapologetic foodie and mama.

She is the owner of Liz Winters Wellness, an online platform dedicated to helping women move through all walks of

motherhood with ease through meaningful fitness and nutrition programs, healthy living support, and hundreds of

delicious recipes.


After the unexpected loss of her son, Liz set out to change the way women walk through pregnancy and infant loss

by creating the support programs:

  1. Well this F*cking Sucks: The Grieving Mama’s Guide to Postpartum Recovery After Loss
  2. From Speechless to Supportive: How to Support a Loved One After Pregnancy Loss.


Links to programs below:

● What the F*ck Do I Do Now: Tips for Navigating Postpartum Recovery After Loss (free download): CLICK HERE

● This Shit is Hard: How to Support Someone After Pregnancy Loss (free download): CLICK HERE

● Well this F*cking Sucks: The Grieving Mama’s Guide to Postpartum Recovery After Loss (full program, $97): CLICK HERE 

● From Speechless to Supportive: How to Support a Loved One After Pregnancy Loss (full program, $37): CLICK HERE


You can find Liz on Instagram (@lizwinterswellness), co-hosting the Beyond Birth Podcast, or at LizWintersWellness.com

Jan 23, 202048:25
Motherhood Deconstructed with Kate Turza
Jan 14, 202052:15
Building the World We Want to Bring Our Babies Into with Gena McCarthy

Building the World We Want to Bring Our Babies Into with Gena McCarthy

In this episode Gena and I dove deep into the heart of the topics discussed, as well, each others hearts. Gena is a mentor, friend, and elder.  She speaks about birth spirituality and healing, with years of experience.  Her presence and wisdom is palpable throughout this conversation.

Together we explored the following topics of conversation:  

  • Motherhood in today's world 
  • Childbirth trauma 
  • Ceremony and spirituality for healing and birthing 
  • A Doula story on secondary-traumatic-stress
  • Historical trauma and the need for healing 
  • And, everything in between... 

Gena McCarthy RN, MFT is a perinatal psychotherapist, a certified EMDR (PTSD treatment) provider and a developer and educator of the Birth Spirituality and Healing Network which includes: Coach and Facilitator Certification Programs for Ceremonies of Pregnancy, Healing Birth Trauma – Parent Renewal Workshops. She trained in Shamanic, Buddhist, Cherokee Peacekeeper and Perinatal Psychology cross-cultural ways of healing. She co-developed the Contra Costa County Integrative Health Program, founded and co-coordinated the Contra Costa PerinatalDepression to Wellness Network and co – organized the Birth Keeper Summit in 2015 and the multicultural partnership Bay Area Birth keepers in 2016. She lives with her beloved husband and has offices in the Bay Area. She loves to hike, dance, sing, garden, travel and visit with their son, who lives on the east coast. 

To follow Gena and learn more about her new offerings visit: www.birthspiritualityandhealing.com 

Gena McCarthy RN, MFT#32708

Jan 04, 202049:09
The Vagina Coach with Kim Vopni

The Vagina Coach with Kim Vopni

Kim is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the health of our vaginas as Mothers. As a mother herself, and a Doula, Fitness Coach, and Vagina Coach she has helped thousands of women regain confidence by becoming pelvic health informed and empowered. In our conversation together we spoke about her lived experience as a Vagina Coach (how she got that name), biofeedback for gathering information, weak pelvic floors + leaking + shame, and how women can re-connect to their physiology and emotional body. Kim is grounded in her knowledge and very real in her delivery. She is a force! I am grateful for the conversation we had :)
*NOTE: part of the audio got interrupted half way through and some of the audio seems to be overlapping our conversation. I do apologize for technical difficulty.

BIO: Kim Vopni is a self professed pelvic health evangelist and is known as The Vagina Coach. She is a certified fitness professional who became passionate about spreading information on pelvic health when she was pregnant with her first child. She is a published author, a passionate speaker and women’s health educator as well as a mom to two boys. Kim is the founder of Pelvienne Wellness Inc - a company offering pelvic health programs and coaching for women in pregnancy, motherhood and menopause. She is also the co-founder of Bellies Inc, a company focused on improving births and postpartum recoveries with their revolutionary Ab System. You can find her on-line at
www.vaginacoach.com and www.belliesinc.com and on social media @vaginacoach and @belliesinc LINKS: www.vaginacoach.com www.preparetopush.com www.belliesinc.com
Oct 24, 201942:25
Conscious Parenting with Dr. Vanessa Lapointe and David Loyst

Conscious Parenting with Dr. Vanessa Lapointe and David Loyst

Throughout this awesome conversation with this dynamic team, we engaged in a meaningful exploration of the challenges that many parents face. Together, we unpacked the term conscious parenting; why our kids go through the terrible twos and how to handle it with presence; and how as parents we can become the best version of ourselves! 

I loved my time with both Vanessa and David. And I hope to have them on the show again. 

Bios: 

Dr. Vanessa Lapointe is a mom, registered psychologist, parenting educator, best-selling author, international speaker, and a regularly invited media guest. Founder and director of The Wishing Star Lapointe Developmental Clinic, she has been supporting families and children for almost 20 years and has previous experience in community mental health and the school system. While navigating the journey of parenting her own two children, including the restructuring of her family through divorce, Dr. Vanessa has been challenged to grow herself up. From this awakened place she journeys along on a path that lands for herself and her family, all of which has profoundly changed her life and is a significant influence on her speaking and practice. Vanessa is the author of best selling book: Discipline Without Damage.

David Loyst has been studying and teaching about parenting for over 30 years as a Speech Language Pathologist and Autism Consultant … and has been practicing with his own children for more than 20 years. David noticed that the common behaviourist parenting techniques of consequences and time-outs (that he initially advocated!!) did not work and also seemed to cause an increase in anxiety and stress. These observations led David to the study of developmental attachment parenting. Beyond his professional practice, David noticed as a parent that he didn’t always implement what he intended.He was inspired by his own challenges to learn about the workings of his mind and how to care for himself so that he could truly lead and care for his children. 

Dr. Vanessa and David trust that sharing their unique personal and professional perspective will help you find your path, for your own growth and for the growth of your children who are counting on you. 

Contact info: 

Dr. Vanessa Lapointe - drvanessa@drvanessalapointe.com www.drvanessalapointe.com

David Loyst, M.Sc. (SLP) - Autism Consultant, Parent Educator Loyst and Associates Autism Services Inc. t. 604-760-6787 www.randrforautism.com |

Oct 09, 201949:49
Single Motherhood and Conscious Co-Parenting with Michelle Amriel

Single Motherhood and Conscious Co-Parenting with Michelle Amriel

If you are a single mother or in the process of separating, or still trying to figure out how to have a healthy co-parenting relationship, you will want to listen to this episode.
In this episode I had the pleasure of talking with Michelle about her journey as a single mother and co-parenting. She speaks candidly about her challenges during her postpartum as a new single mom.
Below are some of the questions that I posed:
"In your bio you stated that you help mom’s transition from a partnership or marriage to becoming a single parent without the feeling of overwhelm or paralyzed by fear. This is so needed. Single motherhood is incredibly difficult to navigate, especially if the divorce is heated.
What was your experience that led you to offering this kind of work?
I read in your story that you teach mom’s how to have safe communication with their co-parent.
This is such a huge topic of discussion - safe communication - can you share with our listeners a bit about your story that brought you to where you are now?.
......
BIO:
Michelle Amriel is a transformational coach and a teacher of wisdom committed to helping mom’s transition from a partnership or marriage to becoming a single parent without the feeling of overwhelm or paralyzed by fear.

Michelle has more than 10 years in personal development and 8 years experience in co-parenting successfully.

Through her own healing journey of self discovery, along with over 10 years of transformational training, she tapped into her own gifts and inner strengths to guide mom’s to return back to themselves so they can create a life they love and recognize.

The process of how she works is unique because she's had an experiential and an educational mindset. From an experiential mindset, she's lived it and experienced it. She went from a contentious divorce and got to the other side, through trial and error, to become whole and confident. From an educational mindset, she's spent thousands of dollars on studies and research about relationships and how they work.

In her spare time, she enjoys yoga , gardening, dancing, cooking healthy meals and anything outdoors to connect to nature and connecting with her 8 year old son.

LINKS:
www.michelleamriel.com/

linkedin.com/in/michelle-amriel-b48855127

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005916128682

www.facebook.com/michelleamriel/

www.instagram.com/michelleamriel/
Jul 18, 201950:02
**Special Episode for Doulas** Witnessing 'Crimes-Against-Wisdom' Can Result in Compassion Fatigue and Secondary Traumatic Stress Injury

**Special Episode for Doulas** Witnessing 'Crimes-Against-Wisdom' Can Result in Compassion Fatigue and Secondary Traumatic Stress Injury

If you are a Doula, or someone who holds postpartum birth stories, this episode is for you. **Trigger warning - There are stories and details shared of traumatic births. If you are a mom recovering from a traumatic birth experience, listen with caution, as the tales told may activate your system and bring up some painful points that still require compassionate attention. Of course, you know what is best for you, so listen to your body and heart.**

Throughout this episode I, Jennifer, share with you my personal story of working as a Doula and apprenticing midwife - the rise and fall of it all. You will hear about how I first caught the birth bug, and what eventually resulted in the end of my doula career. 

I speak to the impact that having witnessed 'crimes-against-wisdom' in birth can have on us. You will learn about that term, as well as, compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress injury. You will hear about the need for skills to protect one from STS injury, and a need for a supportive trauma-informed tribe. 

I unpack my journey of healing along with the insights gained and how those insights can support you as a Doula. Further, how you can better serve your families in the postpartum. And finally, you will be introduced to the concept of the Sacred Story Keeper. 

The concluding remarks invite you to stay connected about my up and coming program for Doulas by joining my list at www.jennifersummerfeldt.com (click on learn more link). The story shared is relatable and captivating. I invite you to listen and I look forward to hearing from you in my inbox. 


Jun 19, 201940:23
A No Shame Approach to Getting Fit After Baby with Christy Amason

A No Shame Approach to Getting Fit After Baby with Christy Amason

In this episode I enjoyed chatting with Christy about postpartum health, in particular, postpartum body health.

Christy opens by sharing vulnerably about her story and struggles with postpartum pain and depression. Christy covered the following topics: pain is not normal, haemorrhoids, leaking, the abdominal wall and rectus diastasis, personal assessment process, and success stories. We spoke about the 'bounce back' culture and the pressure that moms feel to 'get their body back after birth'. Christy shares about her assessment process which is incredibly thorough and an empowered approach to fitness. We all need a fitness coach like Christy, even those of us who are not into 'fit culture'. Christy is about health and empowerment, and helps moms feel good in their skin. Most importantly, she is creating a community around health and motherhood. 

...................

Christy Amason is a mom of two and best known for her no nonsense approach to postnatal fitness. As a postnatal fitness expert with over 15 years of experience as a coach, Christy had dedicated her coaching career to helping moms become fit, empowered and symptom-free in their body after babies. 

Being able to relate her own struggles with return to exercise after her daughter was born, Christy has been able to understand first-hand what moms need (and are lacking) from the fitness industry. 

Christy's passion for helping moms discover their fit-potenial after babies, shines through in every aspect of her coaching career. She helps moms redefine their #mombod through 1:1 coaching, classes, online coaching and an active social media presence. 

Christy's reputation for being down to earth and her ability to produce fast results, has made her one of the go-to postnatal coaches in the industry. To learn more about Christy and her programs you can visit her at www.empowerfit.ca

May 03, 201944:38
Body Focused Therapies to Restore, Heal, and Thrive - With Cinnamon Cranston and Rosen Method

Body Focused Therapies to Restore, Heal, and Thrive - With Cinnamon Cranston and Rosen Method

In today's episode with trauma-informed Rosen Method therapist Cinnamon, we talked all about how 'the body keeps the score'. Trauma is stored in the tissues and Cinnamon, in her gentle way, speaks about the power of trauma-releasing with body focused therapies, such as Rosen Method. She speaks about her healing journey as a mother. And, she also offered great resources of body focused therapies aside from Rosen Method. Our conversations was therapeutic, gentle, and wise. 

..............

Cinnamon Cranston is a former graduate of the University of Regina and has been in the health and wellness field for 20 years. Cinnamon began her career as a massage therapist and has also received training in Reiki and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Cinnamon eventually found her home in Rosen Method in 2008, training with the Rosen Method Cascadia Centre (now the Rosen Method Institute Canada). She specializes in Rosen Method Bodywork and Movement as a certified Rosen Method Bodywork Practitioner and Workshop Teacher as well as a Rosen Method Movement teacher/intern with a private practice in Edmonton, AB, called The Mindful Body. Listeners to this podcast, Cinnamon wanted you to know that there is a new Rosen Method Movement and Bodywork workshop this April, “Inhabit Your Body Your Life”, from the 11th-14th, at Healing Connections in Edmonton. Listeners of this Podcast will receive the early bird discount of $100, upon registering.

You can learn more about Cinnamon at www.themindfulbody.ca or her Social media handles - @mindfulbody_yeg

LINKS:

The Mindful Body, www.themindfulbody.ca for more information on the Rosen Method.

Find The Mindful Body on Insta or Facebook: @mindfulbody_yeg

Cinnamon is also the co-owner of the Rosen Method Institute Canada Inc. the only training program for Rosen Method in Canada. Please visit www.rosenmethod.ca for more information on Rosen Method workshops. We have a new Rosen Method Movement and Bodywork workshop this April, “Inhabit Your Body Your Life”, from the 11th-14th, at Healing Connections in Edmonton. Listeners of this Podcast will receive the early bird discount of $100, upon registering.

Apr 05, 201956:46
Emotions, Feelings, Sensations - Making Sense Out of Our Emotional Body with Dr. Doug Tataryn

Emotions, Feelings, Sensations - Making Sense Out of Our Emotional Body with Dr. Doug Tataryn

Learn all about the HUGE benefit of emotional releasing and dive into the heart of our bodies wisdom throughout this podcast!
A note about this episode - we had technical difficulty and had to pick up a few times throughout the call. However, the content is rich!
I just loved having this conversation with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Doug Tataryn, as he spoke about his work and unique process that helps people embody their emotions, liberate energy, and experience wellbeing.
Throughout this podcast we explored the following:

4 different dances that happen in the body
A unique definition of 'emotions'
The difference between emotions, feelings, and sensations
A powerful clinical story of a mother and her toddler
The idea that stress is coming from 1 out of 3 different types of energies
Survival emotions
The triune brain (3 part brain structure)
The power of feeling our emotions and why it is important
An investigation into the bioemotive framework as it pertains to a mom who had a disappointing childbirth experience


This episode is a fantastic overview of some concepts that need to be incorporated and understood so that we, as mothers, can begin to confidently embody our emotions and teach our children how to do the same.
.............
Dr. Doug Tataryn is a registered Clinical Psychologist, a Life Coach, and the originator of the Bio-Emotive Framework. He and his team are busy creating products and programs that teach people healthy emotional processing and feelings-based communication.
You can learn more about his work at
www.bioemotiveframework.com or gain access to his 6-week self-paced e-course HERE
Mar 11, 201901:13:58
A Moment of Inspiration - A Journey Into the Heart of the Exhausted Mother

A Moment of Inspiration - A Journey Into the Heart of the Exhausted Mother

In this episode, I (Jennifer) recorded a moment of inspiration. This is a short episode only 10 min in length, but does not lack depth. It is a 'journey' into the heart of the exhausted mother (both literal and figuratively). I encourage you to listen to the audio with your eyes closed, as a guided meditation, as we journey together. From my heart to yours, I offer you this as a gift into my own interior world as I process the notion of 'too much' and 'not enough' and the exhaustion that we all face (all while I was laying ill in my bed). 

Mar 05, 201910:22
When Survivors Give Birth with Jenn Fontaine

When Survivors Give Birth with Jenn Fontaine

During this sensitive episode, When Survivors Give Birth, with my guest Jenn Fontaine, we dive into the heart of birthing families who have a history of trauma.  Jenn is a 'When Survivors Give Birth' educator, a program and perspective developed by Penny Simkin. Together we talk about: 

- What inspired her to teach 'When Survivors Give Birth' 

- How it has changed her practice as a busy Doula

- What she is noticing as trends within the birthing milieux 

- What she would like moms to know about this sensitive topic of conversation

Although the topic is heavy in nature, the conversation flowed with deep sensitivity and respect for the nature of the topic. 

.......

Jenn Fontaine, LCCE, FACCE, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), PCD(DONA) CLC, CHBE, WSGB Instructor

Who been supporting the families of Winnipeg as a birth doula (attending several hundred births) and childbirth educator (preparing over a thousand new families) since 2002. 

Over the years, while supporting families, Jenn has made education a priority. She has achieved DONA International Certification as both a birth & postpartum doula, become a DONA International Birth Doula Trainer, a certified Lamaze Educator and accredited Lamaze Program Director.

In 2016 Jenn was given the honour of being inducted as an FACCE (Fellow of the Academy of Certified Childbirth Educators), a fitting recognition of her significant contribution to childbirth education and her effort to promote safe and healthy birth through evidence-based practice. Currently, Jenn has shifted her focus to include a trauma informed approach to her education specifically, she is an instructor of when survivors give birth. 

Jenn is passionate about passing along her knowledge to families and other doulas, knowing that she is learning just as much from them!

She currently lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada with her husband, Marc, her four amazing kids and two drooling bulldogs: George and Scarlett.

You can learn more about Jenn and her offerings at www.itsbirth.ca or www.birthrootsdoulas.com 

Feb 24, 201949:24
Thriving In The Postpartum - Our INNATE Wisdom with Rachelle Garcia Seliga

Thriving In The Postpartum - Our INNATE Wisdom with Rachelle Garcia Seliga

'Postpartum care is a necessity, not a luxury', states Rachelle, the creator and founder of the INNATE postpartum care program. Throughout this podcast Rachelle and I discuss the challenges that so many modern mothers are experiencing during the postpartum period.
Together we explored the following topics and questions:

Why postpartum care is not a luxury, but rather a necessity
The implication that colonization has had on the postpartum period
Why mothers are experience exhaustion, depression, and anxiety throughout the postpartum period
The importance of community as the #1 antidote to pp struggles
The idea that our dominent culture has failed the pp mother, rather than the mother failing at 'motherhood'
The cultural shift that Rachelle is midwifing
Closing with a powerful statement about returning to the natural laws and orders of life that are contained intrinsically in all of us

Rachelle is grounded in her wisdom and has an important message for mothers all over the world. I am so grateful that Rachelle joined me for this recording.
............................
Rachelle Garcia Seliga has been working in the field of traditional midwifery care for the past 17 years. Her work as a ‘midwife’ embraces the original meaning of this word, which is caretaker of women’s health from ‘womb to tomb.’
‘Innate’ is that which is natural and inherent. ‘Traditions’ are those teachings that are passed down from one generation to the next. Our innate physiological design offers us a map to health and wellness.
She runs a Holistic Well-Woman Care practice in Taos, New Mexico, which tends to the health of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. She is the creator of INNATE Postpartum Care – Certification Training and INNATE Advanced Postpartum Training, for birth workers, health care providers and traditional healers worldwide. INNATE’s system of care draws upon the modern sciences of Epigenetics, Psychoneuroimmunology, Pre and Perinatal Psychology, the Primal Continuum, Womanist Physiology and Anatomy to teach that which the world’s postpartum traditions have always known: Postpartum care is a necessity and not a luxury for women’s LIFE-LONG health and well-being. Because women are the heart, the foundation of the people, thriving women means thriving families, communities and world.
You can learn more about Rachelle at
www.innatetraditions.com
Feb 17, 201938:27
Money and Motherhood: Challenging Limiting Beliefs on Money

Money and Motherhood: Challenging Limiting Beliefs on Money

This is a tender and vulnerable episode about a topic so many of us avoid talking about - MONEY! I was inspired to call Debbie Bridge and ask her if she would be willing to come on the podcast again. This time I wanted to talk about money

The reason was two fold: a. I received positive feedback about our episode together last time, because it was deep, vulnerable, and relatable and, b. I wanted to explore my own limiting beliefs about money (which I imagine will strike a cord with many of you, the listeners)

So a small warning or preface ... In this episode you will journey alongside both Debbie and Myself as we both explore our personal relationship with money and motherhood. I know that this topic is relatable to so many mothers because one of the biggest challenges that we face, as mothers, is that of financial stress. 

Many of us are burdened by the shadow of 'money debt and survival' resulting in the activation of avoidance, shut down, and survival mode. This can cause so many of us to spiral with negativity and feelings of utter vulnerability. 

Please join Debbie Bridge and I, as we use The Work for self-inquiry to dig into our pains and limiting beliefs about money. 

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You can learn more about Debbie at www.debbiebridge.ca and the process www.thework.com
You can purchase a copy of Healing After Birth guidebook at www.jennifersummerfeldt.com/hab or on Amazon

Dive deep into your healing with the Healing After Birth Program

Feb 11, 201901:22:05
Postpartum Mental Healing with Perinatal Mental Health Therapist Jill Culver

Postpartum Mental Healing with Perinatal Mental Health Therapist Jill Culver

Welcome to the Healing After Birth podcast. I am your host, Jennifer Summerfeldt, author and creator of the Healing After Birth book and program. You can order a copy of the book on Amazon.com or learn more about my services at www.jscoaching.co 

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In this episode we explore the topics of: 

- Domestic life as a mom and the challenges we face, especially for those who do not enjoy the domestic life of motherhood.

- Jill shares vulnerably about her experience with PPD and what she did to find her way out; and her challenges with motherhood.

- We addressed struggles the 'working mom' can experience

- Closed with some tips and suggestions for getting support

To learn more about Jill Culver please visit www.jillculver.ca

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Jill Culver has over 20 years of experience working alongside families during their childbearing year. She is a counsellor in private practice, specializing in the emotional challenges that can accompany pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting.  Jill has experience working with families around mood issues, pregnancy and infant loss, traumatic childbirth, childbirth fear, intrusive thoughts and postpartum adjustment. Jill’s previous roles include Birth and Postpartum Doula, Pregnancy Outreach Counsellor, Mental Health Counsellor and, most recently, a Perinatal Social Worker at Victoria General Hospital in British Columbia Canada. Jill holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of British Columbia.   Jill offers in person counselling in Victoria, and around the world by Skype or phone. She can be reached at jill.culver@me.com or through her website www.jillculver.ca. She speaks and runs workshops on mental health topics for doulas, birth-workers, and midwives.

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If you have a podcast topic you would like me to focus on or a question, please send us an email at hello@jennifersummerfeldt.com

Jan 21, 201952:45
Pelvic Floor Health with Mandy Rempfer-Kuncio

Pelvic Floor Health with Mandy Rempfer-Kuncio

NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, the end of our podcast cut out, therefore we did not have a proper ending. I want to thank Mandy for taking the time to share her wealth of knowledge with our listeners. 

In this episode we talk about: 

  • What is pelvic floor physiotherapy
  • Anatomy of the pelvis 
  • The challenge of physiological resistance in the body
  • The implications of prolonged pushing
  • Biomechanics of pushing
  • The benefits of prenatal physiotherapy as prevention
  • The amazing ability for the body to heal

Mandy Rempfer-Kuncio is passionate about the pelvis!  Creator of the Birth Better Series for childbirth preparation and a sought after speaker, Mandy is a pelvic health physiotherapist and birth doula in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.  Professionally, she loves serving women through her physiotherapy clinic, Nurture Her, which focuses on pre- and post-partum care (once post-partum, always post-partum!).  The team at Nurture Her can help with many challenges that women face, including: incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, diastasis recti, birth injury, and pain during pregnancy or afterwards, including sexual pain.  You can also find Mandy at SupportYourCore.ca where she helps bring products that support a strong core to women everywhere. 

Mandy is devoted to women’s health and wellness because she too lives in a woman’s body.  As a mother of three, she also intimately understands the physical challenges and joys that come along with the journey of motherhood.  Mandy has a big dream for a strong world, full of strong families and strong mothers.

You can connect further with Mandy (and her course offerings and blog full of free video and education) at http://nurtureher.ca and find products at  https://supportyourcore.ca.

You can also find Mandy on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/nurtureher1/) and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/core.believers

Jan 04, 201954:21
A Mama of 4 Goes Deep Into Her Heart to Find Her Way: A Healing Journey - Janelle Kottelenberg
Dec 23, 201845:20
The Embodied Feminine with Nisha Gill

The Embodied Feminine with Nisha Gill

During this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nisha Gill from Austrailia. Nisha has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with our listeners, in particular, as it pertains to healing in the postpartum and birth preparation. During our time together we explored to following topics: - The embodied feminine - Trauma recovery using Somatic Experiencing technique - The beautiful ritual called: Closing of the bones - The primal realm and healing Introducing Nisha ... Nisha Gill of Feminine Instincts is a Melbourne-based peri-natal wellbeing practitioner offering specialized birth education, doula support for birth, counseling, Somatic Experiencing® for the resolution of trauma & anxiety, a range of bodywork modalities, feminine embodiment practices, and birth hypnosis. As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner Nisha offers couples resilience training for birth through nervous system regulation, resolution of previous trauma and anxiety, and birth simulation journeys for expectant mothers, without or without internal bodywork. She also works with birth professionals, bodyworkers and therapists to support their own resilience as they work closely with their clients. Nisha’s flavor is one of full embodiment, and she also specializes in promoting access to the primal realm in order to cultivate a felt sense of confidence for birth. Her years of teaching a form of Tantric yoga for women and training in Ecstatic Birth have evolved into a unique offering known as Primal Mama: Embodied Birth Education. This has a focus on cultivating deep trust in the instinctual nature of pregnancy, birth and the fourth trimester, and exploring the use of sensuality and sexuality to facilitate the birthing process. Nisha works with individuals, couples and small groups in person and online, and is also involved in trauma education for birth professionals. Her website is at www.feminineinstincts.com.au And you can access a free gift: Somatic Awareness journey: Coming Home To Your Senses https://feminineinstincts.com.au/trauma-support/
Dec 10, 201852:07
Resilience, Thriving, and Surviving the Postpartum with Guest Beth Martens

Resilience, Thriving, and Surviving the Postpartum with Guest Beth Martens

In this episode, I explore the concept of resilience in the postpartum with my guest Beth Martens, a two-time cancer survivor, musician, and mompreneur.

Beth speaks openly about her journey into motherhood after having been told she may never be able to conceive after having survived the odds. Although her birth was empowering and self-directed, Beth experienced challenges in the postpartum as a single mother.

She speaks about how she found her way regardless of all the obstacles stacked against her. This is an inspiring episode of the tenacity of the human spirit. You do not want to miss this conversation - we need to more stories of thriving.

A bit about Beth...

Beth Martens, Business Coach, Archetype Geek and Mom Against the Odds.

Beth is the creator of the ‘MerPreneur’s Journey’ that maps out the value of a woman’s life purpose. She knows her calling is a life or death thing. After 8 trips to India, and a 3-year, losing battle with cancer, she used archetypes to reclaim the hidden, denied and disowned parts of her self and saved her life after being told she wouldn’t survive.

Today a mom against-the-odds and impassioned champion for the value of a woman’s life purpose, she shows healers, teachers, coaches and artists how to journey with archetypes to create divinely aligned businesses.

She works with MerPreneurs - women who bravely dive into self-work and care deeply about this planet - to be valued to make their contribution to the greater good, so they can fulfill their sacred contract and not have to crash from going in too many directions to save the world.

Beth believes in our right to live in freedom from economic slavery and dreams of helping a million MerPreneurs make their life’s work a part of to returning humanity back to a natural state.

Visit her at
www.bethmartens.com to hear her story and do a free MerPreneur Archetype Quiz to learn where you are on the MerPreneur’s Journey.
Dec 01, 201856:02
Nourishing the Postpartum - With Sherry Rothwell RHN

Nourishing the Postpartum - With Sherry Rothwell RHN

During this episode, my guest Sherry Rothwell (Registered Holistic Nutritionist and the creator of the Delish Diet) and I engage in a candid conversation about both nourishing with food + nourishing the soul during the postpartum period. Sherry speaks about her lived experience and struggles in the postpartum, as well as, offers applicable information about foods that help to rebuild the body after birth.

Topics of conversation include:
- Isolation in the postpartum
- Foods that heal (and may surprise you)
- Why vegetarianism may not be the best choice in the pp
- Reference to a free ebook called 'Nurturing the New Family' with link below
- How community changes everything
- Minerals and supplements to rebuild blood loss after birth
- The overarching dilemma many moms experience in the postpartum

A bit about Sherry:

Sherry Rothwell is a registered holistic nutritionist with a focus on children’s and women’s health during the childbearing years. She blends her backround in natural childbirth, with 20 plus years experience in the natural health field to empower women to reclaim their role as wise woman healer of the family. Sherry holds certificates from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, the Edison Institute and the Matrona School of Midwifery to name a few. She developed a keen interest in digestive issues after healing her son of food sensitivities and severe eczema without drugs or supplements.
Sherry loves to help women overcome infertility, have a healthy pregnancy, ecstatic birth, rejuvenating postpartum experience and overcome the hormonal imbalances that make it challenging to overcome the after baby weight.
You can learn more about Sherry and her work here at:
www.NutritionWisdom.ca or ‘Like’ her Facebook page for daily nutrition wisdom, hints and tips: www.facebook.com/NutritionWisdom.ca/

Sherry’s Free Gift: e-book ‘Nurturing the New Family’Learn the art of
nurturing! If you are a Midwife, Doula, Grandma, Aunty, Sister or
friend of a pregnant woman, learn about all the fun ways that you can
celebrate that special pregnant woman in your life! Learn more ways
that you can come together as a community, family or circle of friends
to best serve the new family after the birth. Grab a copy of ‘Nurturing the New Family’ here:
www.nutritionwisdom.ca/nurturing-the-new-family-e-book/

Article 1 - How to Feed a Postpartum Woman:
www.nutritionwisdom.ca/how-to-feed-a-postpartum-woman/
Article 2 - How to Prevent Colic Before Birth:
www.nutritionwisdom.ca/how-to-prevent-colic-before-birth/
Book a private session:
weightless.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=5633064
Nov 27, 201801:03:57
Mental Fitness for Moms Using Self-Inquiry and The Work

Mental Fitness for Moms Using Self-Inquiry and The Work

During this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing Debbie Bridge from www.debbiebridge.ca. Together we explored candidly and authentically ways to engage many of the challenges mothers face using self-inquiry and www.TheWork.com as a compassionate method for engaging the present moment.

Topics and parenting lived experiences explored were:

- Parenting a teenager
- Mothering a colicky baby
- Realizing that we have no control
- Working with a core belief 'bad things are going to happen'
- Parenting a teenager who is addicted to drugs

Nothing in this podcast was scripted or enacted. It was an authentic experience recorded in real-time. The emotions expressed and the process that I engaged with, was a wonderful surprise. I share vulnerably in this episode about a core belief I struggle with and how it got in the way of my parenting throughout the years.

We learn from each other. We grow together.
This is a powerful episode that outlines in detail how to practice self-inquiry 'in the moment'.

You can learn more about Debbie at www.debbiebridge.ca
And you can purchase a copy of Healing After Birth guidebook at www.jennifersummerfeldt.com/hab or on Amazon​.
Nov 18, 201801:03:22
Finding Your Voice - A Mama’s Healing Story

Finding Your Voice - A Mama’s Healing Story

Welcome to the very first episode of the Healing After Birth Podcast!
In this episode, I dive in deeply during this candid interview with Danielle Newman, a 32-year-old Mother, who is using her voice and story about her postpartum healing journey to inspire mothers to advocate for their health.

Danielle and I discuss the following throughout this podcast:

- What Danielle's healing journey looked and looks like
- Her personal story woven throughout
- What one thing she would love to see changed If she could wave a magic wand
- What she wants every mother to know (her message) and how they can advocate for themselves
- A bit about her partner and his role in her healing
- Her struggles with her new identity
- The 'costs' associated with healing
- Struggles with not wanting to blame
- And a conversation about accountability

I am thrilled to have Danielle on this podcast.
To follow Danielle you can find her on Instagram
@this.is.adulting or FB @daniellenewman
If you are a mother or perinatal professional and you have a question or a mission that you want to share on the podcast, please go ahead an send us an email hello@jennifersummerfeldt.com
OR
Click on the 'message' link on the anchor.fm app and send us your comments or questions. I will use those questions during the 'Ask Me Anything' week in which I answer questions from mama's, partners, or professionals.

To order Healing After Birth Guidebook www.jennifersummerfeldt.com/hab and as a BONUS receive 10% discount with the code: BWF10
Nov 10, 201852:07
November 9, 2018

November 9, 2018

Nov 09, 201800:51