S10 E3: The True Value of a Postpartum Village
InCast
In today’s fast-paced and often disconnected world, many new parents find themselves navigating pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with far less support than previous generations. In this episode, we explore the powerful role of community in maternal and family well-being and why rebuilding a modern-day “village” may be one of the most important ways to improve postpartum outcomes. Drawing from her experience supporting more than 100,000 families, Gabriela Gerhart shares practical insights on creating meaningful connections, strengthening support systems, and helping parents...
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S10 E2: Increasing Stability in a Transition to Parenthood
InCast
In a world that feels increasingly uncertain—from global conflict and community tension to lingering stress carried forward from the pandemic—expecting and new parents are holding more emotional weight than ever before. This episode explores how stress shows up during the childbearing years and, more importantly, how perinatal professionals can help parents feel grounded, supported, and capable even when the world around them feels unsteady. With warmth, insight, and decades of clinical experience, Gabrielle Kaufman offers practical, compassionate tools for navigating uncertainty without...
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S10 E1: The Induction Question: Evidence, Agency, and Informed Choice
InCast
Induction has quietly become one of the most common interventions in childbirth—so common that many parents assume it’s inevitable or automatically safer. In this episode, we slow the conversation way down and take a careful, evidence-based look at how induction became routine, what the research actually shows, and why so many families are encouraged to induce without hearing the full story. With clarity, depth, and decades of expertise, Henci Goer helps listeners untangle fear from fact and reclaim informed choice in one of the most consequential decisions of the childbearing year. About...
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S9 E7: A Modern Approach to Advanced Maternal Age: From Screening to Support
InCast
In this rich and reassuring conversation, Debbie sits down once again with Dr. Lexi Hill, a Maternal–Fetal Medicine specialist, to unpack what advanced maternal age really means today. Together, they demystify the risks, clarify what’s truly important in prenatal care, and offer practical guidance for parents, educators, and birth professionals alike. From essential screenings and advocacy tips to emotional wellness and preparing for birth, this episode blends evidence-based insight with compassion and clarity. Whether you work with...
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S9 E6: When Pregnancy Becomes “High-Risk”: An Educator’s Guide to Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Care
InCast
When a pregnancy is labeled “high-risk” and families are transferred from standard pregnancy care to a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist, it can feel overwhelming, disorienting, and even like a personal setback. Emotions like fear, confusion, and self-doubt are common for parents, but finding balance during this transition is essential. Staying engaged and empowered isn’t just good for emotional well-being; it’s critical for making informed decisions throughout their pregnancy...
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S9 E5: Supporting Families Through Pregnancy & Infant Loss: What Birth Workers Need to Know with Ashley Rose Salvitti
InCast
Pregnancy often begins with joy and anticipation—but for some, it ends in unimaginable heartbreak. In this powerful episode, we explore what happens when pregnancy ends in loss, and how doulas, birth workers, and loved ones can offer meaningful support. This episode offers insight into the complexity of perinatal grief, the power of presence, and practical strategies for compassionate care. Learn how to support families through the emotional, physical, and spiritual aftermath of loss—and why grief education and specialized training should be a standard part of all birth...
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S9 E4 Insights on Perinatal Mental Health from PROSPER Leaders: Practical Tips for Educators and Doulas
InCast
We’re diving into a vital topic that touches the heart of our work as birth professionals: supporting mental health during the perinatal period. Whether you're a childbirth educator, a doula, or another type of birth professional, your role is uniquely positioned to offer meaningful support during one of the most emotionally complex times in a person's life. Perinatal Mental Health Disorders (PMHDs) affect 1 in 5 individuals during pregnancy and postpartum—yet they often go undiscussed or unnoticed. In this episode, we’ll explore how educators, doulas, and other birth...
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S9 E3 Inside the Newborn Mind: Tools for Teaching Parents How to Understand Their Babies
InCast
Hillary helps us learn how newborns experience their brand-new world —and how we as educators and doulas can help families understand them in ways they may have never been taught. Rather than seeing babies as a blob to be shaped, we can recognize them as fully formed people with unique needs. Transitioning from an internal dark, warm, water-filled home to the bright, ever-changing world can be quite an undertaking— but with our love and guidance, we can help them grow to their full potential, starting from the very first breath. Learning more about how we can teach this in a wonderfully...
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S9 E2 Gentle Sleep Support with Sierra Brooks
InCast
Join us as we explore gentle sleep support—for both parents and babies—with Sierra Brooks, CAPPA Certified Postpartum Doula, Gentle Sleep Coach, and Certified Lactation Counselor. In this episode, Sierra shares insights into how helping parents understand the biological needs of their babies, and how to accommodate those needs while getting enough rest themselves, can reduce maternal mental health struggles. After years of “cry it out” being the norm, Sierra offers a fresh perspective on emerging, more compassionate, and evidence-based sleep strategies. By...
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S9 E1 Preparing for Low-Intervention Birth with Sarah, the “Labor Junkie RN”
InCast
Sarah —better known as the “Labor Junkie RN”— is a practicing high-risk labor nurse, social media influencer, and mom of three. You may have seen her on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook sharing evidence-based insights on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She often ends reels with “For more information on pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum, give me a follow and check out my page”. So, we did—and invited her to share her wisdom with you in this special podcast episode. As a nurse and mom of three who chose unmedicated births, Sarah brings a unique...
info_outlineIn today’s fast-paced and often disconnected world, many new parents find themselves navigating pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with far less support than previous generations. In this episode, we explore the powerful role of community in maternal and family well-being and why rebuilding a modern-day “village” may be one of the most important ways to improve postpartum outcomes. Drawing from her experience supporting more than 100,000 families, Gabriela Gerhart shares practical insights on creating meaningful connections, strengthening support systems, and helping parents thrive during one of life’s most transformative seasons.
About Gabriela Gerhart
Gabriela Gerhart is the founder of the Motherhood Center, a Houston-based pregnancy, birth, and postpartum wellness center and professional childcare agency she established in 2000. Originally from a small village in the Czech Republic, Gabriela’s background in pediatric nursing and physical therapy, combined with her passion for community-centered care, inspired her to create a comprehensive support system for growing families. Today, the Motherhood Center offers childbirth education, doula services, breastfeeding support, perinatal mental health resources, fitness programs, childcare services, and more. At the heart of her work is a simple belief: no mother should feel alone, and with the right support, every family can thrive.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why postpartum was never meant to be an isolated experience and how strong support systems help families build a healthier foundation during the transition to parenthood.
- How modern parents are often overwhelmed by information, competing responsibilities, and the pressure to “get it right,” making community support more important than ever.
- What Gabriella learned growing up in a small Czech village, where neighbors, healthcare providers, and extended family naturally stepped in to help new parents.
- Why creating opportunities for parents to connect—through childbirth classes, support groups, yoga classes, and social gatherings—can lead to lifelong friendships and lasting support networks.
- Why every birth professional can help families build their own village by encouraging conversations about meals, practical help, check-ins, childcare support, and community resources before the baby arrives.
- The importance of creating accessible postpartum gathering spaces, including mother meetups, new dad groups, and other low-barrier opportunities for connection and support.
- How postpartum care is evolving beyond the idea of “bouncing back” and toward a more holistic focus on recovery, pelvic floor health, emotional well-being, and family adjustment.
Resources:
Related InJoy Products:
- Understanding Postpartum Health & Baby Care Book + Guided Learning Web App
- Understanding Postpartum Health & Baby Care eClass
- Understanding Fatherhood: PowerPoint Class