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The Birth Link

The Birth Link

By: Colette Wagholikar RN
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Summary

Welcome to The Birth Link, where we dive into the overwhelming and transformative experience of pregnancy, addressing your biggest fears, concerns, and need for connection among expecting mothers. I’m your host, Colette, a seasoned labor and delivery nurse and mother of two. This podcast is here to connect you with a community of fellow moms, expert advice, and reliable medical information. Each episode is designed to empower you with personal stories, practical tips, and the latest medical insights to help you make confident, informed decisions throughout your birthing journey. Tune into The Birth Link to embrace your inner strength, find your voice, gain support, build connections, and navigate the beautiful process of bringing new life into the world. Stay connected on Instagram @thebirthlinkpodcast or at https://thebirthlinkpodcast.comCopyright 2026 Colette Wagholikar, RN Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting & Families Physical Illness & Disease Relationships
Episodes
  • From Bedside to Breakthrough: How Nurses Are Revolutionizing Childbirth Care with Trish Ware
    May 11 2026

    Most nurses and birth advocates turn a blind eye to the systemic issues in maternity care, but not Trish Ware. She's here to expose the truth and spark change.

    In this episode, Trish shares her powerful journey from bedside labor nurse to outspoken advocate and mentor, revealing how her own experiences and those of the women she served pushed her to challenge the status quo. She discusses the covert ways hospitals manipulate birth, the importance of voice and choice, and how social media is revolutionizing patient empowerment today.

    You'll discover:

    • How systemic coercion and outdated protocols threaten women’s autonomy during childbirth
    • Practical strategies for pregnant women and families to advocate confidently for themselves in hospital settings
    • The key mindset shifts that empower women to become “quiet warriors” and refuse unnecessary interventions
    • The evolution of nurses’ roles and how social media is breaking down institutional barriers to knowledge
    • Why a holistic, patient-centered approach to birth is the future... and how you can be part of it

    This episode is a wake up call for expectant parents, birth workers, and healthcare professionals who want to understand the hidden power dynamics in birth and learn how to navigate or even dismantle them. Ignoring these insights risks perpetuating trauma and disempowerment, but embracing them opens the door to safe, respectful, and empowered birth experiences. Whether you're a soon-to-be mom, a birth advocate, or a nurse craving meaningful change, this conversation will ignite your passion for better birth practices. Get ready to challenge the system with confidence and compassion.

    Trish Ware is a seasoned labor and delivery nurse, an experienced birth educator and business mentor who has spent over 16 years either at the bedside or virtually advocating for women’s rights in birth. She’s known for her fearless voice, transformative mentoring, and pioneering efforts to empower women both inside the hospital and in their own birth journeys. Ready to harness your voice, question the system, and redefine what birth means? Listen in now, and join the movement for respectful, woman centered birth care.

    Find Trish:

    https://labornursemama.com/

    IG and all social platforms: labor.nurse.mama

    For business coaching:

    https://trishwarecoaching.com/

    or iamtrishware on all social platforms

    Thank you again Trish!

    Don't forget to find your doula at

    https://Anchorandbloomdoulas.com

    if you're in the Los Angeles and Ventura county areas!

    Learn more about RN Concierge for pregnancy and newborn care

    https://myfriendsanurse.com

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    47 mins
  • 45. Ergonomics and Pelvic Floor Health in Pregnancy, Don't Wait for a Problem, Prevent it! With OT/PT Trapti Agarwal
    Jan 14 2026

    In this episode of the BirthLink Podcast, Colette speaks with Trapti Agarwal from TheraGurus about the importance of pelvic health in all stages in life, especially for women. They discuss the journey into women's health, the connection between ergonomics and pelvic floor health, and the significance of early pelvic floor therapy. TheraGurus emphasizes a holistic approach to pelvic health, including breathing techniques, postpartum care, and understanding conditions like prolapse. The conversation highlights the need for education and awareness to empower women in managing their pelvic health throughout their lives.

    Takeaways

    1. Pelvic floor therapy is essential for all women, regardless of their stage in life.
    2. Understanding ergonomics can significantly impact pelvic floor health.
    3. Early intervention in pelvic floor therapy can prevent long-term issues.
    4. Postpartum recovery requires a focus on rest and self-care.
    5. Breathing techniques play a crucial role in healing postpartum.
    6. Prolapse is a common issue that can be managed with therapy.
    7. Awareness of pelvic floor health is vital for overall well-being.
    8. Stress can negatively affect pelvic floor function.
    9. Education empowers women to take control of their health.
    10. Holistic approaches to therapy can lead to better outcomes.

    Find Trapti here:

    http://theragurus.com

    Instagram @thera_gurus

    Chapters

    00:00. Introduction to Pelvic Health and Therapy

    00:56. Journey into Women's Health

    01:55. The Importance of Ergonomics in Women's Health

    05:02. Understanding Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy

    08:00. When to Start Pelvic Floor Therapy

    11:00. Preparing for Pregnancy and Birth

    12:03. Postpartum Care and Recovery Tips

    24:01. Understanding Pelvic Floor Issues Over Time

    25:49. Prolapse: Signs, Symptoms, and Awareness

    29:38. Navigating Prolapse: When to Seek Help

    33:12. The Importance of Early Intervention and Education

    36:06. Stress and Its Impact on Pelvic Health

    40:13. The Role of Awareness in Pelvic Floor Health

    41:39. Empowering Women Through Education and Support

    Keywords: pelvic health, women's health, occupational therapy, ergonomics, postpartum recovery, pelvic floor therapy, prolapse, breathing techniques, holistic health, empowermen

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    50 mins
  • 44. Maternity Care in the Hospital, a Service Industry or Just a Medical Emergency?
    Dec 22 2025

    Since starting as a nurse in labor and delivery I have heard that this is not a service industry, not a hotel or restaurant as we are made to feel like servers sometimes. We know best about their care and birth plans, we will take care of them and they should just let us do our jobs.

    As more and more women speak up about trauma during hospital births, about the lack of support in labor and postpartum, I have to vent about my perception of what we are doing as nurses and doctors that is missing the mark.

    How can we truly incorporate patient-centered care, treating the WHOLE person (persons) during their time in the hospital with us, while maintaining safety, autonomy and dignity?

    Listen in as I question the hospital system we have and the mentality that so many nurses and doctors have around women in the maternity hospital system.

    Please subscribe and leave a positive review!

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    38 mins
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