In this heartfelt episode of the Breath and Birth Co Podcast, Vanessa—hospital-based DONA-certified birth doula and childbirth educator—opens up about her deeply personal journey to motherhood. From navigating chronic endometriosis and infertility to finding calm through HypnoBirthing® amidst severe hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), Vanessa shares how it all unfolded.
She’s joined by special guest Aly Romot, a Certified Birth Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, Body Ready Method® Pro, and Birth Photographer. Aly teaches HypnoBirthing® and Evidence-Based Birth® childbirth education classes in Columbus, OH. She taught taught Vanessa and Brian HypnoBirthing® and became their private birth doula- helping them tap into the power of connection, language, and trust during pregnancy. Together, they explore the beauty of preparation, partner involvement, and informed decision-making in birthwork.
💛 This episode sets the stage for Part 2, where Vanessa will share her full birth story—including how labor began and what it felt like to finally meet her son.
🕒 Episode Chapters:
- 00:00 Introduction to the Breath and Birth Co Podcast
- 00:50 Vanessa’s Pregnancy Journey Begins (after endometriosis and infertility)
- 02:58 Sharing the Pregnancy News with Friends and Family
- 18:39 Coping with Severe Nausea & Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)
- 23:30 Meeting Aly Romot & Joining Her HypnoBirthing® Class
- 34:49 Partner Involvement in Childbirth Education
- 36:19 Choosing a Birth Doula (and why it mattered)
- 41:52 Using HypnoBirthing® Language & Mindset Tools
- 47:40 Preparing for Labor and the Unknowns of Delivery
- 51:55 Early Labor Signs & Heading to the Hospital
- 01:00:13 To Be Continued… Vanessa’s Birth Story Coming in Part 2
See full SHOW NOTES HERE.
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