The Mindful Womb Podcast

The Mindful Womb Podcast

The Mindful Womb podcast will help you apply the principles of mindfulness, science, and the sacred womb so you can feel less stressed and easily welcome your changing reality (and body) through life’s transitions like conception, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenthood. Host Clara O’Rourke (she/her), certified doula and childbirth educator, brings you actionable strategies, mindfulness tips, pregnancy and birth facts, authentic truths, and inspirational stories that can help you harness your inner power, embrace personal growth, and become the best version of yourself as you grow your family.

Episodes

September 16, 2025 36 mins

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, and
  • my mother’s breast-cancer diagnosis.

These experi...

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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 ...

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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 pregnancy
  • When to check in with your provider before ...
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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 like
  • How Farida made the courageous ...
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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 like
  • Common misconceptions that leav...
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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...

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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 t...

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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 t...
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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...

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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 passage
  • What it means to create an intentional ...
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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 ga...

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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...

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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 ...

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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 communic...

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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 ...

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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 mec...

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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 f...

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In this episode we’re diving into the transformative role that partners can play during labor—through the power of touch and massage. Many partners want to help but aren’t sure how. That’s where intentional touch comes in.

I’m joined by Anna Muñoz, a skilled massage therapist and hypnotherapist with over a decade of experience in the birth world. Together, we’ll explore:

✨ How massage supports the release of oxytocin, the key hormone...

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Many expecting parents worry about the possibility of needing a cesarean birth (C-section). While cesareans can be life-saving when medically necessary, many are performed for reasons that could be avoided. The good news? You have more control over your birth experience than you might think.

In this episode we explore 10 evidence-based strategies to help you reduce the likelihood of an unnecessary cesarean and advocate for a birth t...

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Pregnancy is a transformative journey, and for those diagnosed with diabetes—whether preexisting Type 1 or 2, or gestational diabetes—it can come with unique challenges. But managing blood sugar doesn’t have to mean sacrificing an empowered birth experience.

In this episode, I sit down with Megan Peasley, a certified doula, birth photographer, and childbirth educator, to discuss her personal experience navigating pregnancy with Type...

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