Ep. 22 From Ultrasounds to Hope: Creating a Safe Space for Families

Ep. 23 Surrogacy & Support with Aymar Part 1

Guest: Aymar Santana Rios | Surrogate, Doula, Wife & Mother Hosted by: Ana Munoz, LMT Runtime: 36:41 💬 Episode Summary What does the surrogacy journey really look like from the first conversation to postpartum recovery? In Part 1 of this conversation, Ana sits down with surrogate and doula Aymar Santana Rios to unpack the realities of modern surrogacy. Together, they explore the financial, emotional, and practical considerations that come with carrying a child for another family, while highlighting the importance of preparation and support throughout the process. Aymar shares her personal experiences navigating surrogacy, discusses the differences between working through an agency versus pursuing an independent arrangement, and offers valuable insight into the mental and emotional aspects that often go overlooked. Whether you're considering surrogacy, supporting someone on this journey, or simply curious about the process, this episode provides an honest and compassionate look inside the world of surrogacy. 🌟 In This Episode, We Cover -The Surrogacy Process Explained: A step-by-step look at how surrogacy works, including agency-based and independent surrogacy pathways. -Financial, Pregnancy & Postpartum Considerations: What intended parents and surrogates should understand about compensation, support systems, pregnancy care, and recovery after birth. -The Importance of Mental Preparation Why emotional readiness and strong support networks are essential for a positive surrogacy experience. -Aymar's Personal Journey Real-life stories and lessons learned from balancing motherhood, marriage, doula work, and surrogacy. 👑 Guest Bio Aymar Santana Rios is a Puerto Rican mother, wife, doula, and surrogate living in Central Florida. Passionate about supporting families through transformative life experiences, she brings both personal and professional insight to the world of pregnancy and birth. Through sharing her surrogacy journey, Aymar hopes to educate others about the realities of the process while emphasizing the importance of emotional wellness, preparation, and support every step of the way. 📲 Connect With Aymar Santana Rios Instagram: @truly.aymar 💖 Loved this episode? Subscribe and leave a review! It helps this podcast reach more birthing families and providers throughout Central Florida. Tag us on Instagram @centralflbirthpodcast and let us know your favorite takeaway from today's conversation. Want to be featured on the podcast or suggest a future guest? Send us a DM on Instagram @centralflbirthpodcast.

Ep. 22 From Ultrasounds to Hope: Creating a Safe Space for Families

Guest: Jucely Paulino Hosted by: Ana Munoz, LMT & Nicolle Maldonado, LM Runtime: 1:06:35 💬 Episode Summary In this episode, Ana and Nicolle sit down with sonographer and entrepreneur Jucely Paulino to talk about the deeper impact of accessible prenatal care and compassionate support for growing families. As the founder of Babies First Glance [https://babiesfirstglance.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] and the soon-to-open Hope at First Glance Pregnancy Center, Jucely shares how her passion for helping parents connect with their babies has evolved into a mission to support women facing unplanned pregnancies, limited healthcare access, and uncertainty about their future. From emotional ultrasound moments to building a safe, welcoming community for young parents, this conversation is full of hope and powerful reminders that support can truly change lives. 🌟 In This Episode, We Cover: ✨ Making ultrasounds and prenatal support more accessible for uninsured families and those without consistent healthcare access ✨ How compassionate support for young parents experiencing unplanned pregnancies can encourage healthier futures for both parent and baby ✨ The emotional power of seeing and bonding with your baby before birth and why those moments matter deeply ✨ Jucely’s journey from sonographer to business owner and now founder of a pregnancy resource center focused on support and community 👑 Guest Bio Jucely Paulino is an OB/GYN Sonographer with 14 years of experience and a proud mom of three whose passion for maternal care comes straight from the heart. For the past six years, she has served families through her business, Babies First Glance [https://babiesfirstglance.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com], helping parents bond with their little ones through unforgettable ultrasound experiences. Now, she’s expanding her mission by opening Hope at First Glance Pregnancy Center; a space dedicated to supporting moms through ultrasounds, education, resources, and a safe, welcoming community where families can feel seen, supported, and empowered. 📲 Connect With Jucely Paulino Instagram: @Babiesfirstglance Website: Babies First Glance [https://babiesfirstglance.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 💖 Loved this episode? Subscribe & leave a review! It helps this podcast reach more birthing folks and providers in Central Florida 💕 Tag us on Instagram @centralfloridabirthpodcast and let us know your favorite takeaway from the episode! Want to be featured or pitch a guest? Send us a DM or check the link in Our Linktree to apply!

Ep. 21 From Puberty to Pregnancy: Normalizing Pelvic Health, Body Confidence, & Postpartum Healing

Guest: Dr. Kelly Frank Hosted by: Ana Munoz, LMT & Nicolle Maldonado, LM Runtime: 1:11:28 💬 Episode Summary In this episode, Ana and Nicolle sit down with pelvic health physical therapist Dr. Kelly Frank to unpack the stigmas surrounding pelvic health, postpartum recovery, periods, pelvic pain, and the pressure to “bounce back” after having a baby. Dr. Kelly shares how mental and physical health are deeply connected, why so many women silently suffer through pelvic pain and endometriosis, and how education and open conversations can completely change the way we care for our bodies. She also talks about her passion for supporting pregnant and postpartum moms, as well as her work with the Central Florida Postpartum Alliance, and her Class for Girls that teaches young girls about puberty. This episode is filled with honest, compassionate insight that will leave you feeling informed, validated, and empowered to advocate for your health and your healing. 🌟 In This Episode, We Cover: • The stigma around talking openly about pelvic health, periods, pain, and our bodies • Why postpartum recovery is about healing, not “bouncing back” • The powerful connection between mental health and physical health during pregnancy and postpartum • Pelvic pain, endometriosis, and why so many symptoms are often dismissed or normalized • How “A Class for Girls” creates safe, empowering conversations around bodily autonomy, menstrual health, and parent-child communication • Why education and support can transform the motherhood experience for families and providers alike 👑 Guest Bio Dr. Kelly Frank is a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist and the sole provider behind Frankly Pelvic [https://www.franklypelvic.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]. Supporting anyone with a pelvis at all stages of life, Dr. Kelly specializes in reducing pelvic pain, improving functional movement, and creating individualized treatment plans tailored to each client’s needs. She is especially passionate about helping pregnant and postpartum moms navigate one of the biggest transitions of their lives with confidence, education, and compassionate care. Dr. Kelly also teaches “A Class for Girls,” a monthly class focused on bodily autonomy, menstrual and pelvic health, and fostering deeper conversations between parents and daughters during changing years. 📲 Connect With Dr. Kelly Frank Instagram: @franklypelvic [https://www.instagram.com/franklypelvic?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Website: Frankly Pelvic [https://www.franklypelvic.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Central Florida Postpartum Alliance:Central Florida Postpartum Alliance [https://www.centralfloridapostpartumalliance.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] YouTube:Real Talk Mind Body Love YouTube Channel [http://www.youtube.com/@RealTalkMindBodyLove?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 💖 Loved this episode? Subscribe & leave a review! It helps this podcast reach more birthing folks and providers in Central Florida. Tag us on Instagram @centralflbirthpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/centralflbirthpodcast?utm_source=chatgpt.com] to let us know your favorite takeaway. Want to be featured or pitch a guest? DM us on Instagram

Ep. 20 Ana's Maternity Leave & Updated Release Schedule

Hosted by: Nicolle Maldonado, LM Runtime: 5:28 💬 Episode Summary In this episode, Nicolle shares exciting updates about the future of the Central Florida Birth Podcast as Ana prepares for maternity leave. While we’re all sending her love and well wishes, we’re also encouraging everyone to support her from a respectful distance as she transitions into this special season of motherhood. Nicolle also gives listeners a peek into what’s ahead for the podcast, upcoming episodes, and how local birth workers, parents, and professionals can apply to be featured as future guests. If you’ve ever wanted to share your birth story, expertise, or passion for the Central Florida birth community we would love to have you! 🌟 In This Episode, We Cover: Ana’s upcoming maternity leave and how the community can lovingly support her during this transition Exciting updates about future podcast episodes and what listeners can expect next An open invitation for birth workers, parents, and providers to apply as podcast guests The importance of continuing honest, empowering conversations around birth and postpartum in Central Florida 👑 Podcast Bio The Central Florida Birth Podcast is dedicated to amplifying stories, education, and resources that support birthing families and providers throughout the Central Florida community. Hosted by Ana Munoz, LMT and Nicolle Maldonado, LM, the podcast creates a welcoming space for meaningful conversations surrounding pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and holistic family care. Through authentic storytelling and straightforward insight, the podcast continues to connect and empower families across the region. 📲 Connect With Central Florida Birth Podcast Instagram: @centralfloridabirthpodcast Website: linktr.ee/centralfloridabirthpodcast Mind & Body Motherhood: https://www.mindandbodymotherhood.com/ [https://www.mindandbodymotherhood.com/] MOT Midwifery: https://motmidwifery.com/ [https://motmidwifery.com/] 💖 Loved this episode? Subscribe & leave a review! It helps this podcast reach more birthing folks and providers in Central Florida Tag us on Instagram @centralflbirthpodcast to let us know your favorite takeaway Want to be featured or pitch a guest? Visit linktr.ee/centralfloridabirthpodcast or send us a DM on Instagram

Ep. 19 Matrescence & Perinatal OCD: When Motherhood Changes Everything (And Why Support Matters)

Guest: Elena Sledge, Licensed Mental Health Counselor | Awaken Therapy Collective Hosted by: Ana Munoz, LMT & Nicolle Maldonado, LM Runtime: 54:08 💬 Episode Summary Motherhood transforms every part of life: your body, identity, relationships, and mental health. But many mothers experience these changes in silence, unsure if what they're feeling is normal or something they should seek support for. In this episode, licensed mental health counselor Elena Sledge of Awaken Therapy Collective joins us to talk about matrescence, the profound identity shift that happens when someone becomes a mother. We also dive into the often misunderstood topic of perinatal OCD, what it actually looks like, how it can show up differently for each person, and why so many mothers struggle without realizing what they're experiencing. Elena shares compassionate insights on how to recognize when extra support could help, especially for parents who have never sought mental health care before. If you've ever wondered whether what you're feeling is “normal,” or if you're carrying thoughts and worries that feel heavy or isolating, this conversation is here to remind you: you are not alone, and support is available. 🌟 In This Episode, We Cover: What matrescence really is: The emotional, psychological, and identity shifts that happen when someone becomes a mother and why this transition deserves more attention and support. Understanding perinatal OCD: What perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder is, how intrusive thoughts can present during pregnancy and postpartum, and why experiences vary widely from person to person. When it might be time to seek support: How to recognize signs that additional support could be helpful, especially if you've never reached out for mental health care before. A powerful reminder for mothers: Struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human and navigating an enormous life transition. 👑 Guest Bio Elena Sledge is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and founder of Awaken Therapy Collective, where she supports individuals navigating pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, and the many complex moments in between. As a mother herself, Elena understands the emotional highs and lows of the parenting journey. Her work focuses on helping mothers feel seen, supported, and cared for; because when we care for mothers, we care for families and entire communities. Her specialties include body image and eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety and depression during pregnancy and postpartum, and matrescence; the identity shifts and life adjustments that come with motherhood. Through a compassionate and holistic approach rooted in equity and inclusivity, Elena creates a safe space for clients to feel grounded, supported, and truly seen. 📲 Connect With Elena Sledge Instagram: @awakentherapyco Website: www.awakentherapyco.com [http://www.awakentherapyco.com] Helpful Resource Mentioned: Postpartum Support International (PSI) Website: www.postpartum.net [http://www.postpartum.net] Helpline: 1-800-944-4773 💖 Loved this episode? Subscribe & leave a review. It helps this podcast reach more birthing folks and providers in Central Florida. Tag us on Instagram @centralflbirthpodcast and let us know your favorite takeaway from the episode. Want to be featured or pitch a guest? Send us a DM on Instagram!