History of Birth and the Village in the US

by | May 14, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast, we’re joined by Sabrina Ortolano, a birth doula with nearly 30 years of experience, to talk about the history of birth and the village in the United States. The birth scene has changed so much over the years, and it has an impact that people don’t always realize. We discuss the evolution of birth practices in the United States and the impact on the parent-child bond. We also explore the concept of the village and how it has changed over time, from a community of support to a paid service. The conversation highlights the importance of accessible and affordable support for families during the perinatal period.

Sabrina Ortolano is a Birth Doula who has been supporting families for nearly thirty years. She is also the owner of IPSB, Los Angeles’ longest-running bodywork school, where she is the head instructor for courses on prenatal massage and this history of birth in the United States. Sabrina’s teaching emphasizes how to provide the best care and support for clients navigating major life transitions and milestones, with a particular focus on the birth experience and its various nuances.  

Owner & Director at
IPSB – School of Integrative Psycho-Structural Bodywork
IPSB Wellness, Education & Media

Email: sabrina@ipsb.com
Instagram: @‌ipsb_massage
Learn More About IPSB here: www.IPSB.com  

Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.
For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.
For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.

Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. 
Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy

This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.

Thank you for all of your support and don’t forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you’d like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com

Follow on Facebook
Follow on Instagram

The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.

This episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast was produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.
Ciarra Morgan:
www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com
www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Samantha Kelly:
www.beautifullymadedc.com

Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Birth, Baby! Academy is for birth workers and parents to dive in and learn! Whether you're an aspiring doula, seasoned birth worker, or expecting parents, we have something for you. Birth doula training and certification, childbirth classes, sleep consulting help and more!
More posts from Ciarra
Listen on Transistor
Listen on Other Platforms
Listen on YouTube
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify

Related Posts

Doula Commentary About the Free Birth Society Controversy

Jan 27, 2026 | 0 Comments

Host Ciarra Morgan and special guest Jes Gannon engage in a candid discussion about the controversial Free Birth Society and its implications for expectant mothers. They reflect on their personal experiences and opinions regarding unassisted births, emphasizing the...

read more

0 Comments

Subscribe

Never Miss an Episode!

Be sure to “subscribe” and “follow” on your favorite place to listen to podcasts.
If you’d like to join our newsletter, please enter your email address below to keep up with the latest information and exciting announcements.

What People Say About Our
Birth, Baby! Podcast

Ashley Button

Navigating through pregnancy and planning for birth

It was shortly (but not soon enough) after becoming pregnant that I found this podcast, as I was scouring the internet. So much great contact with relevant information new moms need and/or want. Definitely recommend and highly suggest listing to the hot topics they cover. This podcast is “decline-phone-calls while-driving worthy!! 🙂

Feb 14, 2024

Boodreux Nixon
MUST listen for parents!

This podcast has been so helpful to me in so many areas as a mom of 3, and I have been able to share it with so many of my friends who are pregnant or freshly postpartum, too! The heart of these ladies is so apparent as they share rich and essential knowledge for motherhood. Its one of my favorites!

Feb 12, 2024

djvonyon
Everyone preparing for a new born needs to listen to this!

Every parent should listen to this series when preparing for a new born. My wife and I are preparing for our first baby and are so grateful for this podcast. Ciarra and Samantha are so thoughtful and helpful! All the episodes are helpful but really loved “Dude you need a doula”. Every partner should listen to dude you need a doula. Wow what a tough birth Natalie had! Jordan sounds awesome and your post visit story resonated a lot for me on some family trauma I have been stuck on. Thank you so much for this podcast 🙂

Feb 5, 2024

Kristi Hammerle
Must listen to podcast for parents

These ladies keep it real while providing valuable education and resources from experts in the birth field. Highly recommend!

Jan 29, 2024

smileyriley92
Loving it!

I’m loving this podcast and have been looking forward to listening to it on my walks. You two are both so knowledgeable and are making me feel so much more informed before beginning my motherhood journey. Appreciate you sharing your wisdom!

Nov 7, 2023

GangstaRealtor
Such a great resource!

This podcast is a gem! They provide information from both sides to help parents make the best choices for themselves!

Nov 4, 2023

Msjeanne84
Essential listening for every expecting or new parent!

I wish I had a resource like this when I was a first time mom. Hearing directly from the experts who are sharing SO much valuable information is unbelievably helpful. Even knowing that these resources and different practitioners are out there and how they can help moms & babies is a gift! Thank you for making this happen! I share it with all my friends!

Sep 28, 2023

kkthecat
Amazing resource

This is the podcast every expecting parent has been waiting for! So much great evidence based info and I love how they keep it real, but positive! This is also an amazing resource for birth workers to send to their clients. Thank y’all for bringing this to families!!

Jul 11, 2023

Finaleeworkingout
Best In The Game

Ciarra and Samantha are truly some of the best birth resources in Austin! What a gift that they’re now sharing their knowledge through a podcast for everyone to enjoy/learn from. If you’re looking for a holistic and unbiased perspective about birth look no further!

Jul 5, 2023

kmelot
Such a great resource for moms!

Love what Ciarra has created for moms looking for resources about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They are both fun and engaging and I can’t wait for them to release more content.

May 11, 2023

KamillaV8
Knowledgable and experienced experts

These ladies are pros in the prenatal, birth and postpartum fields. I am so happy that they are offering this podcast. It’s been quite a few years since I was pregnant so I’m looking forward to re-learning and learning and new and exciting information about this magical time of life.

May 10, 2023