Deb Flashenberg, the founder of the Prenatal Yoga Center in NYC and host of the Yoga Birth Babies Podcast, brings valuable insights to the discussion on childbirth.  Together we discuss the dramatic identity shift that happens when you cross the threshold into parenthood. We also discuss the prenatal and birth experience. Emphasizing the importance of a mother's right to choose her birthing experience, she underscores the need for thorough preparation and the significance of having a well-prepared birthing team and advocate who is familiar with the mother's preferences. Additionally, she delves into the topic of pelvic floor health, highlighting the common issue of postpartum loss of bladder control and dispelling the notion that it is unavoidable.    IN THIS EPISODE: [3:13] Deb introduces herself and shares her professional background and training and how yoga inspires her life [7:30] Explains her roles as a doula and describes how the pelvic floor and the misconceptions surrounding this critical function [12:39] Deb discusses deciding what type of birthing experience you want and selecting a provider and team [16:16] Deb talks about what she would like to see in the future regarding birthing and things that need to change [22:42] Deb shares how the transition to a parent is a lifestyle, emotional and physical change  [28:14] Deb discusses her decision to have home birthing, and she outlines how socio-economics can affect the ability to choose your birthing vision [37:01] The different fears associated with the birthing experience are discussed [42:05] Deb defines what the family unit means to her   KEY TAKEAWAYS: You should never feel guilty about taking time for yoga. It isn’t just exercise. It’s a way to clear your mind so that you are present for the rest of the day.  Women who have problems with peeing when they laugh or sneeze have a weak pelvic floor, and it is false to think it’s normal, and they have to live with it. Seek a pelvic therapist.  Medical staff need education about informed consent. Being in a hospital setting does not give someone a license to touch a patient without asking and being given permission.    RESOURCE LINKS: Stork'd - Facebook Stork'd - Instagram Stork'd - YouTube  Prenatal Yoga Center - Website Prenatal Yoga Center - Instagram   BIOGRAPHY:  Deb Flashenberg is the founder and director of the Prenatal Yoga Center in NYC. Along with being a prenatal yoga teacher, she is also a labor support doula, Lamaze childbirth educator, mother of two and self-proclaimed "birth and anatomy geek.” For the past seven years, Deb has also greatly enjoyed hosting the podcast Yoga | Birth | Babies, where she speaks with some of the world’s leading experts in pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenthood. Currently, Deb is knee-deep in Dr. Sarah Duvall’s Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist program, pursuing the Spinning Babies Parent Educator certification and loving every minute of it!