Radiant + Resilient

In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with Heather Medlin to explore elimination communication (EC)—an intuitive practice that lets babies signal when they need to eliminate. We discuss the natural instincts babies have, how EC fosters a deep parent-child connection, and how it can enrich the postpartum experience and family dynamics. Heather shares her journey with EC, offering practical tips for getting started and highlighting the importance of building trust and independence. This conversation is an invitation to see parenting through a more connected and compassionate lens, honoring both our babies’ capabilities and our instinct to nurture.TakeawaysElimination communication (EC) allows babies to communicate their need to eliminate waste.Starting EC early can lead to a smoother transition for both baby and parent.The connection between parent and baby is crucial in recognizing elimination cues.Babies communicate their needs through cues that parents should learn to recognize.Understanding your baby's cues can prevent frustration and improve communication.Babies can learn to hold their bladder and bowels earlier than commonly believed.Building trust with your baby is essential for effective communication.Resources:Follow Heather on IG: @readyfrombirth.ecLearn more on her YouTube channel: Ready From BirthCheck out her community here.

In this episode, I open up about my postpartum journey—the raw emotions, the physical challenges, and the ways this season has stretched me. I share the ups and downs, the moments of vulnerability, and how vital it has been to lean on my support system and prioritize self-care, even when it feels hard. I also dive into how my faith and spirituality have been my anchor, guiding me through the uncertainties. By understanding the shifts in my body and hormones, embracing honest communication with my husband, and finding peace in prayer, I’ve learned to navigate this beautiful, challenging time with more grace and resilience.TakeawaysThe first few days postpartum can feel blissful due to hormonal changes.Hormonal shifts can lead to a wide range of emotions postpartum.It's crucial to allow yourself to feel and express emotions.Support from partners and family is essential during postpartum.Self-care is vital for both physical and emotional recovery.Communication with your partner can alleviate stress and tension.Surrendering control can help reduce anxiety and frustration.Quality sleep is critical for postpartum recovery.Nutrient-dense foods and gentle movement support healing.Prayer can be a powerful tool for emotional regulation and peace.If you are looking for support and guidance as you navigate postpartum, book a Connection Call with me.Resources:Listen to "Find Resilience + Strength Through Prayer" episode (Apple, Spotify)

In sharing my birth story, I hope to convey the depth and beauty of this journey toward a supernatural birth. I desired a natural, unmedicated home birth—a vision inspired by the experiences of other courageous women and the wisdom in Jackie Mize's book, "Supernatural Childbirth". I truly believed that with faith, prayer, and mental resilience, this birth could be a powerful, sacred experience. As labor unfolded, I encountered challenges I hadn’t expected. Each moment of difficulty became an invitation to lean deeper into faith, trust God’s timing, and surrender the outcome. This experience transformed me profoundly, teaching me to release control to embrace the mystery and beauty of birth. The journey wasn’t easy, but it was a powerful reminder of the strength within and the grace that surrounds us when we allow ourselves to truly let go.TakeawaysChildbirth doesn't have to be painful.The power of words can change our perspective on labor.Having someone to advocate for you is crucial during childbirth.Mental resilience is key to enduring the challenges of labor.Supernatural experiences often come with trials and challenges.Prayer can provide strength and guidance during difficult times.Preparation for childbirth involves physical, mental, and emotional readiness.Surrendering control can lead to miraculous outcomes.Resources:Get "Supernatural Childbirth" by Jackie Mize on Amazon.Listen to "The Three Steps to Surrender Effortlessly" episode (Apple, Spotify)Listen to "Find Resilience + Strength Through Prayer" episode (Apple, Spotify)Much thanks and gratitude for my midwife Fadwah, & birth team at Midwife360.Share your takeaways with me on IG: @thekatevazquez

In this episode, I open up about the complexities of due dates and how, in Western medicine, they’re often treated as a one-size-fits-all timeline. From personal experience and working with so many women, our bodies don’t always follow that textbook model. Every woman’s cycle is different, and many ovulate on different days, which can shift the timing of conception—and ultimately, the true due date. I’ve also seen how the pressure to deliver by the estimated due date can weigh on us, often leading to unnecessary interventions like induction, which can come with their own risks. That’s why I believe in the power of knowing your body, tracking your ovulation, and understanding your unique rhythm. When we trust our bodies and surrender to the natural process of childbirth, we allow ourselves to embrace the miracle of birth in God’s perfect timing.I share my heart and offer encouragement to every woman navigating pregnancy, urging you to work with practitioners who honor a holistic approach. Most importantly, trust the beautiful design of your body and the timing God has in store for you.TakeawaysDue dates in Western medicine are determined based on the first day of the last menstrual period and assume a regular 28-day cycle.Many women have irregular cycles and ovulate on different days.Tracking ovulation and conception can provide a more accurate due date and help women understand their fertility.There is pressure on women to deliver by the estimated due date, but forcing labor before the body and baby are ready can lead to complications.Trust the body and surrender to the natural process of childbirth. Work with practitioners who have a holistic approach can result in a better birth experience.What did you think of this episode? Share your takeaways with me on IG: @thekatevazquez

Food has always been more than just sustenance—it’s a gift from God, meant to nourish our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit. I’ve come to see how the enemy uses food as a weapon to distract and tempt us, pulling us away from God’s best for us. The processed and genetically modified foods pushed by the food industry are not just unhealthy; they weaken us physically, mentally, and spiritually. I’ve wrestled with this myself, realizing how easily food can become a crutch or coping mechanism when we’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or lost. But God calls us to something greater. In this episode, I’ll share my heart and personal insights on how we can break free from the enemy’s traps and reclaim our health by nourishing our bodies with whole, organic, and high-quality foods. Let’s explore together how we can shift our mindset and approach food with purpose, seeing it not just as fuel but as a sacred part of our journey with God.TakeawaysFood is used as a weapon by Satan to tempt and distract us from God.The body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and should be nourished with good quality, whole, and organic food.The food industry has created processed and genetically modified foods that are harmful to our bodies.The mental and emotional aspects of food, such as using it as a coping mechanism, should be addressed.Setting the intention to eat for the glory of God and nourishing the body with the right foods is crucial.Resources:1 Corinthians 10:31Listen to “Navigate Challenges with Gratitude and Grace” episode (Apple, Spotify)Listen to Transmute Emotions episode (Apple, Spotify)

On my journey as a functional medicine practitioner, I’ve done a lot of work on myself, always seeking healing and wholeness. But along the way, I’ve come to realize something deeply profound: while I can guide, support, and offer treatments, God is the true Great Physician, the ultimate healer of our bodies and souls. Even though God created plants and natural remedies for healing, we will still face ailments and struggles. I’ve experienced this firsthand with my own battle with migraines. I sought answers from multiple doctors, tried countless treatments, and did everything I could to find relief, yet nothing seemed to bring full healing. It wasn’t until I turned my heart to God, seeking His guidance and surrendering fully to His will, that I found peace. Through this journey, I learned that true healing comes from seeking God first, experiencing His profound love, and extending that love to others. When we place our trust in God, we open ourselves to the greatest healing—one that touches every part of who we are.TakeawaysGod is the great physician and the ultimate healer.Seeking God and surrendering to His will is the key to healing.Experiencing God's love and extending that love to others is essential for healing.Physical ailments and imbalances can be a result of a spiritual disconnect.The spiritual battle and seeking God's love are crucial aspects of healing.Resources:Listen to "The Impact of the Spiritual Realm" episode (Apple, Spotify)Listen to "Recognize the Spiritual Battle" episode (Apple, Spotify)Watch "The Chosen" series

I open up about my perspective on ADD and ADHD and challenge the idea that these labels define who we are. I truly believe that difficulty focusing is not a fixed identity or diagnosis, but something that can be influenced by various factors such as how aligned we are with our true selves and the fears that might be holding us back. I encourage you to take a moment to tune in and reflect—are you struggling with focus because you're out of sync with your purpose? Is fear perhaps playing a role in keeping you distracted? Remember, having difficulty focusing is not a disorder or a flaw. It's a gentle nudge from within, inviting you to explore and address the deeper emotions and beliefs that may be at play. I'm here with you on this journey, and together, we can start to see these challenges as opportunities for growth and healing."Maybe it's because we are not in alignment with who we are and how we were created.""It's not because you have a disorder. It's because it is your cue to tune in, to check in."Takeaways:Difficulty focusing is not a fixed identity but a cue to tune in and check if it is in alignment with one's purpose.Fear can hinder focus, and exploring and addressing underlying emotions and beliefs can help shift focus.Labeling oneself with a disorder can limit personal growth and self-discovery.Recognizing that difficulty focusing is not a flaw or a disorder can empower individuals to explore and address the root causes.If you've tried different medications, supplements, lifestyle changes and still have trouble focusing, let's chat! Book a complimentary Connection Call with me.

Prayer has been a lifeline for me, a deeply personal and transformative way to connect with God and bring calm to my nervous system. Over the years, my relationship with prayer has grown and evolved, becoming more than just a ritual—it’s a conversation, a source of strength, and a way to align myself with God’s will. In my journey, I’ve come to discover the power of prayer to find resilience in the face of challenges and a deeper sense of purpose in my life. It’s not just about the words I say, but the connection it creates—a reminder that I’m never alone, that God is with me, guiding me, and helping me fulfill His purpose for my life. Tune in as I walk you through an acronym and how to apply the power of prayer in your life.TakeawaysPrayer is a powerful tool for regulating the nervous system and connecting with God.Constructing prayers with the PRAY framework can be effective in deepening one's relationship with God.Prayer can help cultivate resilience and fulfill God's purpose in life.If this episode resonated with you, let me know on IG: @thekatevazquez.Resources: Lord’s Prayer: Matthew 6:9-13Philippians 4:6-7The Chosen series