Birth, Baby!

In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha interview Chantal Blake, a womb steaming therapist, about embracing menstrual cycles and the benefits of vaginal steaming. They discuss the connection between honoring cycles and honoring births and postpartum experiences. Chantal shares her personal journey with vaginal steaming and how it has helped women with various reproductive health issues. They also talk about the importance of introducing girls to vaginal steaming and promoting body literacy from a young age. Vaginal steaming can support women throughout different stages of their lives, including menstruation, fertility challenges, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, and even after a hysterectomy. Steaming after menstruation is recommended for one to three consecutive days to support a healthy period. Steaming is generally not recommended during menstruation or most of pregnancy, but can be safely done to prepare for labor once full term. Steaming can help relax and prepare the pelvic floor for labor, reduce the risk of tears, and promote a steady labor pattern. After birth, steaming can help clear out lochia, reduce the risk of infections, and support the return of a healthy menstrual cycle. Steaming can also be used to treat and prevent UTIs, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and other infections. It is important to use the appropriate herbs and follow protocols based on individual needs and conditions. Steaming does not disrupt the pH balance or vaginal flora, but rather restores balance and resilience to the vaginal microbiome.

Chantal Blake is a Womb Steaming Therapist and Writer with a professional background in nursing, environmental engineering, and peristeam hydrotherapy. She weaves the fields of medicine, environmentalism, and holistic self-care into fascinating and practical instruction for women of all ages. Since 2019, Chantal has helped hundreds of women experience healthier periods and greater allyship with their female design through consultations, courses, and private coaching. Her work continues to reach an ever-growing audience through published articles, podcast interviews, and speaking engagements. As a world traveler and serial expat, Chantal has learned how to communicate her heartfelt desire to see women flourishing in their female design across cultures, contexts, and languages. And as a wife and mother of three, she is extremely passionate about nurturing a legacy of women who love their periods, honor their wombs, and protect their fertility for generations to come.

Chantal’s first book, Peaceful Periods: Holistic Womb Care for Teens, is championing an international movement of empowering and positive menstrual health education backed by science and traditional wisdom.

You can download a free excerpt at http://www.honoredwomb.com and follow her events on Instagram and Facebook: @‌honoredwomb.

Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby! 

Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com
Website: https://birthbabypodcast.transistor.fm/ 

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