LezBeMommies Radio | Lesbian Parenting show

LezBeMommies Radio | Lesbian Parenting

Summary: Host Elizabeth Caliva interviews guests on topics related to lesbian conception, pregnancy, parenting and health. Topics include gay parenting, donor sperm, getting pregnant, natural health, the legal issues associated with lesbian parenting, sex in long term lesbian relationships, healthy pregnancy, birthing options, parenting tips, and more.

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  • Artist: LezBeMommies Radio
  • Copyright: Copyright Elizabeth Caliva (C/O Blogtalkradio)

Podcasts:

 #43: Fertility Charting & Insemination Timing with Kristin Kali | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:58:00

As lesbians we know that conception is not the most straightforward process.  We generally don't have unlimited amounts of sperm at our disposal and the cost of donor sperm and IUIs can be quite high.  As a result, it behooves us to make the most of what we got. That's where Kristin Kali of Maia Midwifery comes in.  Kristin is a Certified Professional Midwife that specializes in supporting queer couples in their baby making journeys.  On this episode of LezBeMommies Radio, Kristin gives us a basic lesson in fertility charting and insemination timing for lesbian couples.  In this episode you will learn: * Why fertility charting and insemination timing are so important * The basic anatomy of conception * The Rule of Three and how to determine your peak fertility time * How to chart your fertility signs * Some key fertility signs to be on the lookout for * Why charting is still important even when working with a fertility doctor doing IUIs and IVF * Considerations for the HCG (trigger) shot Find out more about Kristin Kali and her fertility care packages at http://maiamidwifery.com/.  Suggested reading: The New Essential Guide to Lesbian Conception, Pregnancy and Birth by Stephanie Brill Find LezBeMommies Radio online at http://www.lezbemommies.com/, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LezBeMommiesRadio and on Twitter @LezBeMomsRadio.

 #42: Optimum Diet for Fertility & Pregnancy with Tammy Chang | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:08:00

We've all heard the saying "You are what you eat".  Consider your baby is made up of what you eat too!  Your overall health going into conception is going to make a difference in the short and long term health of your child.  Studies show that nutrition (or lack thereof) and toxic loads during fetal development can have an impact on many chronic diseases in child's adult life, including Type 2 diabetes (Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17052196).  "Nutrition is perhaps the most influential non-genetic factor in fetal development" (Source: http://www.mednet.ca/en/report/impact-of-maternal-nutrition-on-fetal-developmen.html). What can you do to ensure that your body is ready to provide the best environment for your developing baby? Nutrition is the foundation of general health and eating an optimal diet will prepare your body for the amazing task ahead of creating life.  Nutrition can impact your fertility as well as your ability to carry a healthy baby to term.  But what is the optimum diet for fertility and pregnancy? Tammy Chang of The Nourished Belly is on the show to talk about what foods you may want to start eating now to support the creation of the healthiest baby possible. Topics include: * How fertility and overall health are related * Weston A Price and a whole food approach to eating (just eat real food!) * Excellent pre-conception foods and when to start your pre-conception diet * Key nutrients important for health fetal development * Good fats vs. Bad fats and why fat is important in your diet * Good supplements for preconception and pregnancy * Foods and toxins you should avoid during preconception and pregnancy Find out more about Tammy Chang and her health coaching at http://thenourishedbelly.com/. Find LezBeMommies Radio online at http://www.lezbemommies.com/.

 #41: Being Adventurous Moms with Kendra and Jen | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:58:00

Interested in having an active family--biking, hiking, camping, snowshoeing, skiing, and traveling across country? Kendra and Jen of the popular blog AdventurousMoms.com have to be the most active lesbian moms on the planet, all with three little ones.  On this episode, Kendra and Jen describe their rather straightforward (in hindsight) conception with their oldest daugther, followed by the intense roller coaster of failed IUIs, miscarriage, chemical pregnancy, failed IVFs to finally a successful conception of their twins (an incredibly inspiring story).  They share tips for getting and staying active with the kids, great suggestions for us wanna-be moms and the trials and tribulations of being "heart moms."  These ladies will have you laughing and crying.  Catch the Adventurous Moms on their blog at http://adventurousmoms.com/.  Follow them on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @adventurousmoms. Find LezBeMommies Radio online at http://www.lezbemommies.com/.

 #40: Everything You Wanted to Know about Donor Conception with Alice Ruby | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:50:00

As lesbians, the way we conceive, typically, is through donor conception, and donor conception is whole new paradigm for most of us.  There are many intricacies, details and lots of new information to learn. How do sperm banks work?  How selective are they with the guys that may be the future biological father of your child? What kind of background study do they do on these guys? How extensively do they test for disease or genetic conditions? How many biological siblings might your child have out in the world?  How do they handle future contact with the donor? How do you talk to your child about donor conception? What are the chances your child is going to want to contact their donor?  Alice Ruby, executive director The Sperm Bank of California (TSBC) is on the show to answer these questions and more.  TSBC was the first sperm bank in the country to serve lesbians and other unmarried women.  As the only non-profit sperm bank in the country, TSBC does immense amounts of research the outcomes and implications of donor conception for parents, donor-conceived individuals, and donors. TSBC offers tons of resources on their site for lesbian parents looking to conceive.  Find out why TSBC may be a great option for your choice in sperm banks. Find out more about The Sperm Bank of California at https://www.thespermbankofca.org/. Find LezBeMommies Radio online at http://www.lezbemommies.com/.  Follow me on Twitter @LezBeMomsRadio.  

 #39: How Sugar Impacts your Health & Pregnancy with January Newland | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:50:00

Hey, Sugar! O how I love thee!  We all love the sweet stuff, don't we? Who doesn't?  Unfortunately, our bodies don't love it as much as our taste buds do.  As rate of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and metabolic syndrome skyrocket, some people are searching for the root causes of these issues.  One root cause, and something completely within our control, is our sugar consumption.  Americans on average consume 120 to 180 pounds of sugar a year, up from up from 18 pounds in the early 1800s. A ten fold increase. Think about that!  Given this, it's no suprise we are seeing the rates of obesity that we are.  Enter January Newland, sugar detox renegade and founder of January Wellness. January is on the show to discuss how sugar impacts our fertility, pregnancies and overall health and what you can do to kick the sugar habit. Find out more about her 21 Day Sugar Detox at http://www.januarywellness.com/sugar-detox/. Find LezBeMommies Radio online at http://www.lezbemommies.com/.

 #38: Author Christy Tyner on her New Children's Book "Zak's Safari" | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:52:00

What do you think it would be like for your donor-conceived child to read a story book about kids just like him? Author Christy Tyner is on the show discussing her new book, Zak's Safari, a story about the donor-conceived son of two lesbians that takes the reader on the adventure of discovering how he was created and who his family is.  The book explains donor conception in a very simple yet accurate way, a perfect starting place for conversations with your own kids about their conception story and donor.  The second half of the story covers the adventures of Zak's family, including how his moms met and fell in love and all the fun things they now do together.  It's beautifully illustrated and a perfect addition to your child's book collection. Find out more and read the book online at http://www.zaks-safari.com/.  The book can be purchased on Amazon here. Find LezBeMommies Radio online at http://www.lezbemommies.com/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LezBeMommiesRadio.  

 #37: Adoption for Same-Sex Couples with Adoption Connection | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:49:00

Considering adoption?  As a same-sex couple or LGBTQ person, you may wonder if there are any particular hurdles for you in adopting a child to grow your family.  Do you need to be legally married?  Is same-sex adoption legal in your state?  Is it harder to adopt as a same-sex couple?  What's the process like?  These questions and more are answered on this informative conversation with non-profit adoption agency Adoption Connection, based in Northern California.  Tune in to find out if adoption is right for your family. Useful links: * Adoption Connection website: http://www.adoptionconnection.org * HRC Campaign: http://www.hrc.org/resources/entry/all-children-all-families-about-the-initiative * Child Welfare Information Gateway: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/adoption/ Find LezBeMommies Radio online at http://www.lezbemommies.com/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LezBeMommiesRadio.  

 #36: The Incredible Homebirth of Alyssa & Natasha | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:04:00

Ever wondered what it would be like to celebrate your baby's birth day in the comfort and familiarity of your own home rather than in a sterile, unfamiliar hospital environment?  Alyssa & Natasha welcomed Baby Maddox into this world in October 2014 and are on the show to share their incredible birth story, from making the choice to birth at home (not an immediate one), what it was like working with a midwife and finally the birth adventure itself.  Tune in to hear why birthing at home may just be an option you your partner want to consider.  Topics include: The benefits of birthing at home with a midwife vs. birth center vs. hospitalTips for preparing for your home birthWhat to expect with home birth (from once couple's perspective)Why it's important to own your home birth choice Recommended Resources: The Business of Being Born documentary - http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/San Diego Fertility Center - http://www.sdfertility.com/San Diego Midwife - http://www.sandiegomidwife.com/ Find LezBeMommies Radio online at http://www.lezbemommies.com/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LezBeMommiesRadio.

 #35: Conscious Creation and Fertile Living with Elisabeth Manning | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:08:00

What if fertility was not just a physical phenomenon, but rather had more to do with our relationship to life itself?  What if a lack of fertility in other areas of your life was contributing to or causing your challenges conceiving?  What clearing away the obstacles that are stopping you from creating what you want in your own life could also improve your fertility?  What if the challenges you are experiencing are purely and simply a call to evolve in a way that that will allow you to make the difference you are out to make with your life? Tune in for a unique conversation about living a fertile life, conscious creation and your ability to conceive and birth life in its many forms.  Elisabeth Manning, founder of Fertile Living and Conscious Creation Coaching and author of the book Secret Life of Fertility, empowers people to create fertile, fulfilling lives first.  Find out more at http://consciousconception.net/.

 #34: Normalizing Breastfeeding with Vanessa Simmons | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:48:00

Breastfeeding in public has been a hot topic in the birthing and parenting worlds.  Often breastfeeding in public is treated as taboo and breastfeeding mothers may be asked to leave stores or businesses.  When did breastfeeding your baby become taboo or controversial?  Does the lack of acceptance of public breastfeeding affect breastfeeding rates?   According to the CDC, less than 80% of babies are ever breastfed, with rates dropping to less than 50% by age 6 months.   In many parts of the world, breastfeeding rates are much higher and public breastfeeding is widely accepted--why not here in the U.S.?  What can we do to normalize breastfeeding so that woman are free to breastfeed their babies whenever and whereever they need to?  What can we do to promote the diversity of breastfeeding, whether it be culturally or even in the ways women choose to breastfeed (on the breast, pumping, tandem, etc.)? Vaness Simmons, photographer and founder of the Normalize Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign is on the show tonight to discuss how she's out to postively impact breastfeeding in the United States and what you can do to help.  Find out more at http://normalizebreastfeeding.org/. Follow NormalizeBreastfeeding.org on these social media sites: https://www.facebook.com/normalizebreastfeeding.orgInstagram, Twitter: @normalizebfinghttp://www.pinterest.com/NormalizeBfing/

 #33: Top 5 Tips for Surviving the Holidays When Bringing Your Partner Home | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:03:00

Bringing your lesbian girlfriend/partner or family home for the holidays for the first time? HOLD UP and listen to this podcast before you leave!!  In this podcast my beautiful friend and co-host Kim Scullion and I share tips for how you and your partner can create a really incredible experience for the entire family.  Bringing your partner home for the first time can be nerve wracking, especially if your family is not completely down with the whole gay thing.  That's okay!  It can still be a great trip.  These tips are all about empowering you to take the lead in creating a wonderful experience for all involved.  If you follow these tips I guarantee you'll have fun fun, be more at ease and you'll create deeper connections than ever before. Questions, comments or ideas for future shows?  Do you and your partner want to be highlighted on a show?  If so, email me at elizabeth(at)lezbemommies(dot)com. Have a safe and joyful Thanksgiving weekend!  

 #32: The Power of Fertility Visualization with Molly Nichols | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:07:00

We've all heard about the power of visualization for professional sports, business, acting and other performance-based activities.  But what about fertility?  Can it help you get pregnant?  "Absolutely", says fertility visualization expert Molly Nichols. Molly is the founder of The Mind Belly Connection and attributes fertility visualization to a successful pregnancy after a long, 7 year conception journey.  She has since used it to support thousands of women around the world in their conception paths, supporting their belief in their ability to get pregnant all the way through successful conceptions and births.  Topics include the science behind why visualization works, how to create your own fertility visualization, when/how to visualize and an example visualization lead by Molly on the air. Find out more about Molly and her work at http://www.mindbellyconnection.com/.  

 #31: How to Get a Good Night's Sleep with Baby w/ Jen Varela | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:17:00

The sleep deprived parents are cliche they're so common.  But it doesn't have to be this way.  Let Jen Varela, Certified Gentle Sleep Coach and founder of Sugar Night Night, help you coach you baby or toddler to sleep so you can to. Topics include the science of sleep, developmental milestones and how they affect sleep, realistic expectations for sleeping, reading your baby's or child's cues, sleep crutches, napping, different sleep options and tips to coach your baby's and toddlers to sleep in a gentle and effective way.  Find out more about Jen at http://sugarnightnight.com/. She recommends the book Good Night, Sleep Tight by Kim West and an app called Wonder Weeks (http://www.thewonderweeks.com/about-the-wonder-week-app/).

 #30: Let's Talk More about Lesbian Sex with Dr. Glenda Corwin | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:17:00

Our lesbian sex expert Dr. Glenda Corwin is back!!  This times we'll be talking about how to keep your relationship (and sex life) strong after kids, tips for effective sex communication, why masturbation is important and more!  Plus, call in and have Dr. Corwin answer your personal questions.  It's okay to use an alias to protect your identity. ;) Find out more about Dr. Corwin at http://www.drglendacorwin.com/wp/. Pick up the book Sexual Intimacy for Women, A Guide for Same Sex Couples here.      

 #29: Why You May Want to Consider a VBAC with Christy Cortez | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:31:00

A C-section is a birthing intervention that has saved countless lives, both mothers and babies.  However, C-section rates have gotten so high in the U.S. that many groups are calling for a reduction.  The World Health Organization estimates that that the C-section rate should not be higher than 10-15% for optimal health outcomes, though the U.S. has a national C-section rate of over 30%, with some birthing hospitals at 40-50%.  The death rate is more than three times higher in mothers who undergo C-sections than in those who deliver vaginally, according to the new report, issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. The risks to women increase sharply with each additional C-section, says study co-author Aaron Caughey, a professor at Oregon Health and Science University.  (Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/19/reducing-cesarean-sections/5608139/). Often, once a woman has received one C-section, she continues to birth this way for subsequent births, though many times a vaginal birth after C-section, or VBAC, is an option.  Tune in to hear Christy Cortez share why you may want to consider a VBAC for the health of your baby as well as your own.

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