Healthful Woman Podcast

Dr. Shari Lusskin joins Dr. Fox to discuss Reproductive Psychiatry, or psychiatric treatment for women during pregnancy. In this episode, they review topics including treatment options, when medication can be used, and research into psychiatric treatment for pregnant women.

In this episode of Healthful Woman, Dr. Nathan Fox and Dr. Melka discuss the importance of the postpartum visit, which typically occurs around six weeks after delivery. They explain the purpose of the visit, and address topics like exercise, sexual activity, and birth control.They also highlight the value of clear communication and patient education to ensure that women are prepared and know what to expect as they transition back to normal life after childbirth.

Welcome back to Healthful Woman for a round of "What Does the Fox Say?" with host Dr. Nathan Fox. Today, we cover questions on the topics of: what causes a baby to stay breech until delivery, whether a mother can lower her chances of having gestational diabetes again, what the chances of PROM occurring during a second delivery are, getting your gallbladder removed during pregnancy, and what to consider when having future children with a history of preeclampsia.

In this Healthful Woman episode, Dr. Nathan Fox and Julia Nudelman discuss her successful yet challenging pregnancy. At 37, with a history of C-sections and preeclampsia, Julia sought Dr. Fox's advice before trying for another child. When she got the green light, she unexpectedly became pregnant with twins. The episode highlights the risks of her fourth pregnancy and the care and support Julia received throughout her high-risk journey.

In this Healthful Woman Podcast episode, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with Author Gila Pfeffer and Genetic Counselor Estie Rose. They discuss important topics around genetic testing, breast cancer prevention, and the role of genetic counseling in women's health. The conversation delves into Gila's personal experience as a breast cancer previvor and advocate, and how her story intertwines with Estie's work as a genetic counselor.

In this episode of Healthful Woman, Dr. Nathan Fox and Dr. Samantha Do discuss the topic of hypertension during and after pregnancy, with a focus on high blood pressure that may emerge during labor and delivery. The conversation highlights the importance of monitoring blood pressure during labor, as high blood pressure can arise even in women with no prior history of hypertension. Their discussion emphasizes the need for vigilant care and personalized treatment to ensure both maternal and fetal well-being during labor and delivery.

Dr. Fox welcomes Dr. Susan Lobel, a reproductive endocrinologist and founder of Metropolitan Reproductive Medicine in New York City. Dr. Lobel explains the most common reasons couples struggle to conceive, fertility treatments, IVF, and more.

In part 2 of this Healthful Woman Podcast episode, Dr. Nathan Fox continues his conversation with Israeli Midwife Chani Turk. They discuss how the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel dramatically altered her professional and personal life. Despite the chaos, Chani continues to provide care, with notable changes like allowing family members to stay with mothers during epidurals to offer comfort. Chani's firsthand experience offers a deeply emotional and insightful look into the impact of the tragedy on everyday life, both at work and in the community.

In part 1 of this Healthful Woman Podcast story, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with Chani Turk, an Israeli Midwife. They discuss her personal experience of moving to Israel from the States, as well as her journey to becoming a midwife and experiences taking on this role.

On this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with Dr. Farnaaz Kia, an OB/GYN at MFM Associates. They discuss all things hysterectomy, including what it is, why someone may need one, and what the procedure entails.

In this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with Dr. Sadia Mobeen, an obstetrician/gynecologist at MFM Associates, regarding a common question women ask, "How do I know if I am in labor?" They discuss the framework that medical professionals use when evaluating a patient to determine if they are in labor, the types of questions you can expect your healthcare professional to ask, and more.

Welcome back to the Healthful Woman Podcast! In today's episode, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with Dr. Anum Naseem, an obstetrician/gynecologist at MFM Associates. They discuss induction of labor and the ARRIVE trial, a large study done to determine whether induction increases the risk of C-section.

Welcome back to the Healthful Woman Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Nathan Fox is joined by Dr. Emily Oster to discuss vaccinations. They explore how vaccine skepticism has been a long-standing issue. The conversation highlights the complexity of vaccine acceptance and the delicate balance between public health needs and personal freedoms.

Dr. Sara Kostant returns to Healthful Woman to discuss the early stages of recovery for new mothers after vaginal and cesarean delivery. In this episode, she and Dr. Fox explain what patients and their loved ones can expect immediately after delivery until the first postpartum visit. This includes care if the patient tears, symptoms like swelling, breastfeeding a newborn, and more.

In this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox welcomes Dr. Katherine Ida Halper, an obstetrician/gynecologist at MFM Associates, to discuss all things C-sections. They dive into what patients can expect during a C-section, from what they are going to see, feel, and more, to help them feel more comfortable with the process.

In part 2 of this Healthful Woman Podcast episode, Dr. Nathan Fox continues his conversation with Dr. Jessica Vernon, OB/GYN. They dive deeper into the topic of her new book "Then Comes Baby: An Honest Conversation About Birth, Postpartum, and the Complex Transition to Parenthood," available May 2025.

In part 1 of this Healthful Woman Podcast episode, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with Dr. Jessica Vernon, OB/GYN. They touch on her new book coming out in May 2025 called "Then Comes Baby: An Honest Conversation About Birth, Postpartum, and the Complex Transition to Parenthood." They also discussed her background and focus on mental health care during pregnancy and postpartum.

Welcome back to Healthful Woman for a round of "What Does the Fox Say?" with host Dr. Nathan Fox. Today, we cover questions specifically about HCG and progesterone levels when becoming pregnant, tips to help with nausea during pregnancy, whether there are risks to the baby in the womb if the mother contracts influenza, and more.

Trigger Warning: Discussion of abuse. In part 2 of this Healthful Woman podcast episode, host Dr. Nathan Fox continues his discussion with Sara Sherbill, author of "There Was Night and There Was Morning: A Memoir of Trauma and Redemption." They discuss Sara's goal in writing this book, the feedback she has received, her feelings surrounding the book, and more.

Trigger Warning: Discussion of abuse. Welcome back to Healthful Woman. In part 1 of this episode, host Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with Sara Sherbill, author of "There Was Night and There Was Morning: A Memoir of Trauma and Redemption." They discuss Sara's personal background and how it pertains to the book, as well as dive deeper into the book's topics.

Welcome back to the Healthful Woman Podcast! In this mailbag episode, Dr. Fox answers your questions regarding whether or not C-section is a high outcome for most velamentous cord insertion cases, the accuracy of initial ultrasound dating, the development of preeclampsia during pregnancy, and more!

Shira Billet shares her story of losing a twin pregnancy in 2015. Since this loss, Shira has become a resource for women and families going through the same thing. She explains how she found that “if I could do something that would make the world better, or help other people… that felt like some kind of alternative version of being a mother.” Billet talks about her process of working through grief and common grief experiences after losing a pregnancy. She and Dr. Fox touch on difficult topics like anxiety in subsequent pregnancies, stillbirth, and more.

In part 2 of this Healthful Woman Podcast story, Dr. Nathan Fox continues his conversation with licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Aria B. Grillo. They cover the emotions and thought processes Dr. Grillo experienced during her pregnancy following intrauterine insemination (IUI). They also discuss the various feelings and emotions individuals can experience during their pregnancy journey, as every individual is different.

In part 1 of this Healthful Woman Podcast story, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with Dr. Aria B. Grillo, a licensed clinical psychologist. They discuss her experience working with teens up through adulthood regarding issues such as depression and anxiety and the various forms of psychotherapy, such as Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They also touch on Dr. Grillo's experience with her first miscarriage and the psychological repercussions of her provider's delivery of the bad news.

In part 2 of this Healthful Woman Podcast episode, Dr. Nathan Fox continues his conversation with Lauren Burstein regarding her experience with Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. She discusses the aftermath of her laser surgery and the delivery of her twins.

Welcome to the Healthful Woman Podcast! On this episode, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with Lauren Burstein about her pregnancy journey with her twins. She discusses being diagnosed with stage 2 Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome and the subsequent surgery to correct the issue.

Welcome back to the Healthful Woman Podcast! In this mailbag episode, Dr. Fox answers your questions regarding the parvovirus and pregnancy, placenta accreta risk factors, whether or not you can be induced when having a VBAC, and more.

On this episode of Healthful Woman Podcast, Shaindie returns to retell her birth story. She discusses the loss of her first child while giving birth overseas, as well as the birth of her second and third children.

In part 2 of this Healthful Woman Podcast episode, Dr. Nathan Fox continues his conversation with listener Gabrielle. They discuss her decision to return to MFM Associates for her pregnancy and her desire to undergo vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC).

In part 1 of this Healthful Woman Podcast episode, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with listener Gabrielle regarding her first four pregnancies, two of which ended in miscarriages.

Welcome back to Healthful Woman for a round of "What Does the Fox Say?" with host Dr. Nathan Fox. Today, we cover questions specifically about cerclage, a procedure that closes the cervix with stitches to prevent or delay preterm birth.

Today's guest, Emilie Aries, is the founder and owner of Bossed Up. Bossed Up is a leadership development and career services company on a mission to close the gender leadership gap.

In this episode, Jamie tells her story of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis late in her pregnancy and complications from preeclampsia. After her diagnosis, Jamie explains how she and her medical team planned for a lumpectomy, delivery, and egg freezing, and her experience learning she couldn't carry more children after treatment. In part two, Jamie covers her experience with a lumpectomy and C-section recovery, followed by chemotherapy, and the struggles of being a new mother while going through cancer treatment.

In this Healthful Woman Podcast episode, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with listener Jodi about her daughter, Annie. They discuss Annie's glowing personality, her leukemia diagnosis at 17 years old, her subsequent cancer fight, and sadly, her passing away last year. They also discuss the Annietober 365 Foundation, which was created in Annie's memory.

Dr. Melka and Dr. Fox discuss whether it's safe for pregnant women to fast, particularly with regard to Jewish fast days. On fast days, observers do not eat or drink for up to 25 hours, depending on the holiday. Dr. Fox and Dr. Melka explain when it is and isn't safe for pregnant women to fast and how they advise their Jewish patients.

In this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with Dr. Tikva Jacobs, a vascular surgeon at the New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in NYC. They discuss everything varicose veins!

On this episode, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with one of our listeners, Shoshana. She shares her birth story, which involved being admitted to the hospital for 5 weeks due to fetal hydrops. Hydrops is a rare and serious condition that occurs when abnormal amounts of fluid build up in a baby's tissues or organs.

Welcome back to the Healthful Woman Podcast! In today's episode, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with Dr. Lisa Kalik, an internal medicine physician in NY, about her birth story. After 2 initial miscarriages, she decided to undergo IVF, after which she experienced complications with subsequent pregnancies. She then chose to opt for a surrogate for her two children.

Ruchie shares her story of delivering her fifth child. After two previous miscarriages, Ruchie chose a high-risk OB/GYN and took hormones through her pregnancy, but otherwise did not face complications. However, she began bleeding after the birth. She and a special guest discuss the decision not to perform a hysterectomy and what her treatment was like.

In this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox welcomes back Dr. Stephanie Melka to discuss retained placenta, which occurs when tissue is left behind in the uterus following pregnancy. They discuss when this may occur, what can be done when this occurs, and more.

In this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with Dr. Michal Agus Fox, clinical psychologist and one of the senior psychologists at the Frisch High School in Paramus, New Jersey. They speak about her transition from working with children to teenagers and her experience working with teens.

Welcome back to the Healthful Woman Podcast! In Part 2 of this podcast episode, Dr. Nathan Fox continues his discussion with Dr. Ariana Huselid regarding her experience with TFMR. They discuss the aftermath of her experience, and where she sees herself headed in the future.

Welcome to the Healthful Woman Podcast! In Part 1 of this podcast episode, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with Dr. Ariana Huselid regarding her experience with TFMR. They dive into what TFMR is, Ariana's experience, and her feelings surrounding the situation.

In this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox welcomes back Dr. Michal Angus Fox to discuss her decision to donate one of her kidneys. She discusses how she originally became interested in being a kidney donor, her experience as a donor, and her feelings about the topic.

Welcome back to the Healthful Woman Podcast! In this mailbag episode, Dr. Fox answers your questions regarding the transverse positioning of the baby and ECV procedures, taking a hot bath during pregnancy, sulcal tearing complications, if there is a correlation between D&C and preterm birth and more.

In this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with Dr. Jay Begun, a pediatrics specialist at Mount Sinai in New York. They discuss the topic of newborn feeding, as it can be one of the main challenges following birth. Dr. Begun shares information regarding feeding schedules for newborns, whether you should wake a baby up to feed, tongue ties, and more.

TW: Infant death. Fortune Faham, a mother of eight, tells her High Risk Birth Story, which includes complications from a short cervix, cerclage, and having twins after losing her newborn daughter to heart disease.

Today Dr. Stephanie Melka joins Dr. Nathan Fox to talk more about nitrous oxide (AKA Laughing Gas) for use in GYN procedures and exams. Listen in to learn about how it works, what it's used for and what their experiences have been in practice.

Welcome back to Healthful Woman for a round of "What Does the Fox Say?" with host Dr. Nathan Fox. Today we cover topics in a non-working epidural, multiple C-sections, closure of C-sections, fetal sutures, and more!

In part 2 of Jodi's story, Dr. Fox speaks with Nussbaum regarding her third pregnancy. After her second birth, Jodi began contemplating a different approach for her next pregnancy. She explored options between a hospital birth with her OB and a home birth with a midwife. Through research and self-reflection, Jodi shared the driving forces behind her decision to have a home birth and her experience with this process.

In this episode of Healthful Woman, Dr. Fox speaks with Jodi Nussbaum, a postpartum RN, lactation consultant, and mother of three in Seattle. She shares her journey from discovering her pregnancy to facing potential complications like a nuchal translucency test indicating chromosomal abnormalities, navigating genetic screening as an Ashkenazi Jew, and dealing with a breech baby and Rh-negative blood type issues during delivery. Despite these challenges, Jodi's story ultimately ends with a healthy delivery after a long induction process.