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This episode is about getting to know our bodies so we can connect more authentically in relationship and community. It explores how the nervous system learns through experience, why so many of our responses make sense in context, and how much of what we carry comes from living without the village we once had. Returning to one another is not something we can rush or force. It asks for awareness, gentleness, and a willingness to listen to the body before asking it to open. We touch on • How the body learns safety and threat• Why regulation was once relational• What happens when we lose the village• Survival responses as intelligence, not failure• The vagal pathway and connection• Listening to the body as a foundation for community To go deeper into this work join the weekly live ⁠⁠women’s circles⁠⁠follow along on ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠explore the book ⁠⁠Reclaiming Circle ⁠⁠if you feel called to bring circle work into your community

In this episode of Reweaving the Village, I speak with Amy Viola, co founder of Wild Haven, about rewilding childhood and reweaving community through self directed learning and land based living. We explore Amy’s vision for Wild Haven, how trust, curiosity, and relationship shape children’s learning. We speak honestly about community as a lived practice, not a perfect ideal, and the slow, meaningful work of building something rooted and real. Connect with Amy: Colectiva Wild Haven Instagram To go deeper into this work join the weekly live ⁠women’s circles⁠follow along on ⁠Instagram ⁠explore the book ⁠Reclaiming Circle ⁠if you feel called to bring circle work into your community

Welcome back, here we begin Season 8. This season is all about reweaving the village and returning to the deeper threads of connection that many of us have been longing for. Across the weeks ahead we will explore the body, the land, community, ancestry and the quiet ache that calls us back to one another. In our first episode we explore The Severed Cord. We look at the ache of not belonging and how it lives in the bod the impact of colonisation and patriarchy on community and connectionwhy loneliness appears even when life seems full• inherited grief, epigenetic memory and survival patternsthe loss of elders, rites of passage and communal carepostpartum stories and the moment many realise the village will not comethe separation from land, language and ancestral ways of livinghow to stay with sensation and return gently to the bodya guided meditation on forgiveness and belongingTo go deeper into this work join the weekly live women’s circlesfollow along on Instagram explore the book Reclaiming Circle if you feel called to bring circle work into your community

Welcome to the final episode of Season 7. We’ve journeyed through episodes 78 - 119, exploring preconception to postpartum. Today, I’m joined by Elizabeth Greaves, a mother of three who is passionate about understanding physiological birth and supporting mothers and families in making choices that align with their hearts and real needs. She shares her personal experience of receiving an unconsented episiotomy—a violation that far too many birthing people endure. From this place, we explore the wider context of: 🌿 The degrees of tearing in birth 🌿 The body’s physiological design to birth when supported and undisturbed 🌿 The role of the perineum and how pressure from the baby’s head initiates a natural feedback loop 🌿 Why perineal massage—especially with external tools—isn’t always encouraged 🌿 The importance of intimacy, movement, and nourishment as ways to prepare the body 🌿 Reclaiming birth as a space of safety, consent, and inner knowing This episode is a reminder that the body holds wisdom and that honoring that wisdom begins with trust, presence, and deep listening. 🔗 Chris Greaves - A Father’s Journey: Experiencing Home Birth and Fatherhood Depths of Motherhood Podcast Connect with Elizabeth on Instagram: @elizabethaquin.g Connect with Danielle:Home | Women's Circle

Have you ever wondered if there’s more to postpartum care than simply “getting back to normal”? What if the path to healing wasn’t about bouncing back but coming home to your body, womb, and rhythm? In this episode, I sit down with Julia Demillones Moore, mother, herbalist, and founder of Moonbeam Steams. She’s a women’s health advocate who came into this work through her own struggles with painful periods, hormonal imbalance, and postpartum depletion. In reconnecting with the ancient practice of vaginal steaming, rooted in her Filipino lineage, she found a path of profound healing—and now shares that wisdom with others. FREE PDF FOR YONI STEAMING Together, we explore the three stages of postpartum steaming: The Immediate Postpartum, within the first 30 days—supporting the release of fluids, cleansing the uterus, and helping the body rest and repair.The Early Postpartum, from 1 month to a year—focused on rebuilding the body’s reserves, strengthening the womb, and restoring moisture and vitality. And the Later Postpartum, which can be months or even years after birth, supporting circulation, energy, and emotional integration. Because it’s never too late to care for your womb. We also talk about: When it’s safe to begin steaming—whether you’ve had a vaginal birth, cesarean, tearing, or episiotomy Herbs that support the womb, nervous system, and postpartum healing—like plantain, marshmallow root, nettle, yarrow, rose, and chamomile How steaming can be introduced around week 38 of pregnancy to help prepare the body for laborAnd how this practice can gently support trauma healing and emotional processing in the months and years after birthConnect with Julia Moonbeam Steams | Holistic Womb Wellness & Vaginal Steaming Julia 🌿 | Hormone Balance | Fertility | Painful Periods (@moonbeamsteams) • Instagram photos and videos Connect with Danielle: ⁠danielle-catherine.com⁠Instagram: ⁠@depthsofmotherhood⁠ | ⁠@womenscircleonline⁠

In this deeply nourishing conversation, I sit down with Brittany Zeer, mother, guide, and student of INNATE Postpartum Care, to explore the sacred design of women and the ancestral postpartum traditions that are being remembered and rewoven in modern times. We explore: The four pillars of postpartum healing: rest, warmth, body care, and nourishment, and community as the foundationCross-cultural traditions of Closing the Bones—from Mexico to Morocco and Russia The power of ceremony—why it’s never too late to close what was left open How trauma, wisdom, and story live in the body—and how we can support integrationBuilding community as the foundation of long-term women’s wellnessLearn more about Brittany’s work: blissfulwombcare.com/about 🎧 Also tune into: Mother Centered Communities with Rachelle Garcia Seliga ⁠Depths of Motherhood Podcast⁠ Blog: Closing-of-the-bones-rebozo Waltaska (Andean Tradition Depths of Motherhood Podcast Connect with Danielle: danielle-catherine.comInstagram: @depthsofmotherhood | @womenscircleonline

In this powerful episode, I sit down with somatic educator and STREAM founder Ellen Heed to explore a topic often overlooked in healthcare—scar tissue. Far from being a minor footnote in our healing journey, scar tissue can hold physical, emotional, and energetic imprints that shape our relationship with our bodies. Ellen shares her vast knowledge from decades of work in somatics, anatomy, sexology, and trauma-informed care. We speak about the silent impact of unaddressed scar tissue after birth—be it episiotomy, cesarean, or internal tearing—and how we can begin to re-establish trust and intimacy with our bodies. In this conversation, we cover: Why scar tissue is a foundational pillar of health The long-term impact of unacknowledged trauma and birth interventions The body’s innate intelligence and the importance of uninterrupted healing time Castor oil as a gentle and effective anti-inflammatory support Cervical scar tissue and its link to interventions like the morning-after pill How media and pornography shape distorted views of the body and sexuality Reclaiming the uniqueness of our bodies through curiosity and touch Why vagus nerve awareness is essential in trauma resolution The need to move beyond reductionist models of healthcare If you're a birth worker, bodyworker, sex educator—or simply someone wanting to feel more at home in your body—this is a conversation not to miss. ✨ Learn more about Ellen’s STREAM Certification for practitioners here: www.scartissueremediation.com/stream-certification @Ellenheed Connect with Danielle 🌀 Instagram:⁠ @depthsofmotherhood⁠ 🌐 Website:⁠ danielle-catherine.com

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Brienne — Mother, Postpartum Ceremony Facilitator, and founder of Cosmic Mama Medicine. Brienne shares her powerful story of becoming a mother and how it led her to reclaim postpartum as a sacred time for slowing down, healing, and receiving the care that is so often overlooked. We explore what true postpartum support looks like: ✨ Naming your needs — even when they feel blurry ✨ Reimagining community care — beyond cute baby clothes ✨ Honoring the mother — through presence, nourishment, and space 💗 Special Offer: Get 50% off Brienne’s Sacred Postpartum Course — now only $47.50 with code MAMALOVE Connect with Brienne 🌿 Website:cosmicmamamedicine.com ✨ Instagram: @cosmicmamamedicine Connect with Danielle 🌑 Join the next online women’s circle: Dark Moon Circle – April 27th 🌀 Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood 🌐 Website: danielle-catherine.com

Welcome back to Depths of Motherhood. Today, we’re diving into the world of babywearing—an ancient practice that offers deep connection, practical support, and comfort for both mother and baby. Joining us today is Karla Gabriela, a mother of five who has carried each of her children from birth well into toddlerhood. Her daughters are 12, 10, 8, 3, and her newest little one arrived in December 2023. With years of experience in the babywearing community, Karla serves as an Admin and Lending Library Leader, helping parents discover the confidence and ease that babywearing can bring. She’s also a trained Babywearing Educator through the Center for Babywearing Studies and is currently expanding her knowledge with the Slingababy Consultancy Course. In this conversation, we explore: How babywearing supports newborn positioning and postpartum recoveryWhen to start and how to ensure a safe, comfortable carryCoregulation—how babywearing helps regulate your baby’s nervous systemDifferent carrying positions and involving other caregiversCrying while babywearing How long to wear your babyBreastfeeding while babywearing—what works and what to expectBabywearing isn’t just about convenience—it’s about connection, comfort, and honoring your baby’s primal need to be close. Karla is here to share her wisdom, experience, and encouragement for anyone curious about this practice. Connect with Karla: The Babywearing ClubInstagramConnect with Danielle (Host): Book:⁠⁠ Reclaiming Circle - A Guide to Hosting Women’s Circles⁠⁠ Online Women’s Circle:⁠⁠ RSVP Here⁠⁠ Podcast Instagram:⁠⁠ @depthsofmotherhood⁠⁠ Email: [email protected] Sponsor: Energy Healing⁠⁠ Evolving Humans⁠

In this episode of Depths of Motherhood Podcast, we welcome Melissa Boyles, founder of Rise in Bloom, to explore the sacred, intuitive journey of caring for a newborn. Melissa shared her personal story of birthing at home in episode 60 Her mission is to help women reconnect with their bodies, intuition, and the sacredness of birth and postpartum. Main Topics Covered: The mother’s and baby’s nervous system connection How birth stories shape healing and bonding Understanding and navigating newborn cries The role of the father or non-birthing partner in postpartum care Sleep and feeding rhythms: inviting connection over schedules Body Wisdom Prenatal care for alignment and intuition Elimination communication: responding to a baby’s cues Creating a womb-like, nurturing environment Integrating siblings in the newborn transition Emotional awareness in creating mindful shopping lists Family dynamics and how fears can guide postpartum decisions Join us in this deeply nourishing conversation about how intuitive care can transform the postpartum experience and create a foundation of connection, pleasure, and healing. Guest Links: Visit Melissa Boyles’ website - Rise in Bloom Instagram:@RiseinBloom Connect with Danielle (Host): Book:⁠ Reclaiming Circle - A Guide to Hosting Women’s Circles⁠ Online Women’s Circle:⁠ RSVP Here⁠ Podcast Instagram:⁠ @depthsofmotherhood⁠ Email: [email protected] Sponsor: Energy Healing⁠ Evolving Humans⁠

Are you navigating or supporting a postpartum mother — are you noticing experiences of feeling foggy, fatigued, or just not quite yourself? You’re not alone and you don’t have to settle for merely surviving. This week, we’re diving deep into postpartum nutrition and the transformative power of nourishing your body to reclaim your vitality and well-being. Brittany, a birth doula, nutritional therapy practitioner, and mother of three, is joining us. Brittany has firsthand experience with the challenges of postpartum recovery—hormonal imbalances, brain fog, and exhaustion—and she’s here to share the tools she discovered to thrive. Today, she’s on a mission to empower mothers to move beyond survival mode. In this episode, Brittany will share: The common nutrient deficiencies affecting postpartum mothers—and how to address them. How symptoms like anxiety, depression, and brain fog might signal deeper nutritional needs. The critical role omega-3s play in recovery and how to seamlessly incorporate them into your diet. Practical, nourishing meal ideas, including smoothies, breakfasts, and tips for creating a supportive meal train. The rejuvenating magic of an adrenal cocktail to boost energy and balance. Plus, Brittany has a special gift to help you take the first step toward feeling your best postpartum. So, pour yourself a warm cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and join us for this empowering conversation. Resources and Connections: Brittany’s Free Gift: Postpartum Nutrition Guide Connect with Brittany: Website | Instagram Connect with Danielle (Host): Book: Reclaiming Circle - A Guide to Hosting Women’s Circles Online Women’s Circle: RSVP Here Podcast Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood Email: [email protected] Sponsor: Energy Healing Evolving Humans

Welcome to this episode, dedicated to the postpartum phase, where we hold space for the mother's experience following birth. This is a time following her rite of passage, when she returns, embodying her new experience. As with any rite of passage, this moment is not just for the mother and child, but for the community and the collective as well. I am honored to have Beatriz, a postpartum and birth doula joining us today. Together, we raise awareness on how to recognize when things are not okay and how we can notice these signs, whether you are a mother feeling confused about what is happening or a family member/support person. Further Resources There are many expressions of imbalance—physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual—and all of these expressions are valid and welcome. The main thing is that something needs holding. We begin with the most fundamental needs: you are not broken; your needs are simply not being met. As we journey through this conversation, we also explore the needs of the immediate family, with a reminder that they too require support. Thank you for joining us today. Sending love to the mothers, past, present, and future, and to the families and children coming through. We are planting the seeds to reclaim our innate nature and reconnect more deeply with ourselves and one another. January's FREE Mother's Circle Recording Connect with Beatriz: www.doulabeatrizfacio.com Instagram: @doulabeatrizfacio Connect with Danielle (Host): Book:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reclaiming Circle - A guide to hosting women's circles⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Online Women's Circle:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RSVP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@depthsofmotherhood⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.Danielle-Catherine.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsor:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Evolving Humans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ January's Mother's Circle FREE Recording l Women's Circle⁠⁠

Today, we are joined by the wonderful Olivia Hinge—a mother, midwife, lactation consultant, and author dedicated to supporting families through one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of early parenthood: feeding their babies. Previous episode - Depths of Motherhood Podcast - Episode 40 (Mastitis, Aversion, and Inverted Nipples) Having personally struggled with establishing feeding with her first child, Olivia’s journey inspired her to qualify as a lactation consultant in 2019. Since then, she has been on a mission to empower parents with evidence-based knowledge and judgment-free guidance, ensuring that every family can make informed decisions about how they feed their baby in a way that feels right for them. In today’s conversation, we’ll delve into : The physiology of breastfeeding, including baby positioning and latch. The truth about common tools like pumps, the Hakka, and silver caps. Managing oversupply, supporting low milk supply, and building confidence. Calling in the “cheerleaders” and creating a safe environment for mothers to thrive. Practical tips for navigating painful nipple and healing wounds Debunk myths about whether babies need winding.  Whether you’re expecting, new to parenting, or supporting someone in your life on this journey, Olivia’s wisdom is here to inspire and uplift. January's Mother's Circle FREE Recording l Women's Circle To connect with Olivia and learn more about her work, check out: Her book: A Judgement-Free Guide to Feeding Your Baby on Amazon Her online course and resources: The Wonderhood Follow her on Instagram: @olivia_lactation_consultant Depths of Motherhood Podcast - Episode 40 (Mastitis, Aversion and Inverted Nipples) Connect with Danielle (Host): Book:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reclaiming Circle - A guide to hosting women's circles⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Online Women's Circle:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RSVP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@depthsofmotherhood⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.Danielle-Catherine.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsor:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Evolving Humans⁠⁠⁠⁠ January's Mother's Circle FREE Recording l Women's Circle⁠

In this episode, we begin our exploration of the postpartum phase which will span over 10 episodes, each delving into the essential needs of postpartum mothers. This week, we're joined by Jay, a skilled herbalist, forager, menstrual cycle educator, and doula. Key Points: Discover the importance of using locally accessible herbs in the postpartum phase for nourishment and healing. Learn about different forms of herbal medicine, including teas, tinctures, and yoni steams, to support postpartum recovery. Reconnect with your intuition to choose herbs that resonate with your body, embracing a holistic, mindful approach to healing. Connect with Jay: ⁠Jay 🌱 Plant Healing Woman (@planthealingwoman) • Instagram photos and videos⁠ ⁠Plant Healing Woman⁠ Connect with Danielle (Host): Book:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reclaiming Circle - A guide to hosting women's circles⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Online Women's Circle:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RSVP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@depthsofmotherhood⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.Danielle-Catherine.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsor:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Evolving Humans⁠⁠⁠

This week, I’m honored to share the story of Karena, a mother, healer, and mushroom mama at ⁠⁠Fungi Academy⁠⁠. Her journey from maiden to mother is a powerful exploration of sovereignty, intuition, and empowerment in birth. Karena shares how she: Welcomed a birth team that made her feel nourished and supported. Explored self-stimulation to connect deeply during labor. Built a nurturing community in Guatemala which supported her journey. Her story reveals the courage to trust intuition, reclaim autonomy, and honor the unique path of mother and child. Connect with Karena: Instagram: ⁠⁠@karenaabeana⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠fungiacademy.com⁠⁠ Connect with Danielle (Host): Book:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reclaiming Circle - A guide to hosting women's circles⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Online Women's Circle:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RSVP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@depthsofmotherhood⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.Danielle-Catherine.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsor:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Evolving Humans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠