The Mother Wit Podcast

Alexandria DeVito, MS, CNS, is a functional nutritionist who specializes in fertility and preconception health. She is the author of 9 Months Is Not Enough: The Ultimate Pre-pregnancy Checklist to Create a Baby-Ready Body and Build Generational Health. She is also the founder and CEO of Poplin, the first pre-pregnancy wellness company. Prior to founding Poplin, Alexandria worked in management consulting at McKinsey & Company. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. She also has a master's degree in nutrition; extensive training as a doula, yoga teacher, and personal trainer; and is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, all of which inform her approach to pre-pregnancy wellness. Stats cited by Alexandria in this informative episode: 80% of people have micronutrient deficiencies 50-60% have high inflammatory markers 50% have hormonal imbalance 30% of infertility is due to male factor Sperm counts have dropped 60% in the last 40 years Mother Wit Resources Mother Wit General Resources ⁠⁠⁠Thriving After Birth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (an online course) ⁠⁠Comprehensive Care⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠60 Min Consultation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity ⁠⁠⁠Exercise in the perinatal period: For healthcare providers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (an online course) ⁠⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠⁠ Episode Resources FIGO Preconception Care Checklist Baby readiness assessment (Poplin) IG @getpoplin

My guest today is Paul Quinn PhD, CNM  at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey, 5x author, and Professor in Obstetrical Nursing & Nursing Research at Dominican University New York. Dr. Quinn is one of the only US male midwives / a Certified Nurse Midwife for almost three decades. His new book, Pregnant Possibilities, is a blueprint for women and their families during pregnancy. Resources/References Paul's website Prenatal Possibilities- HERE Facebook - HERE Instagram - HERE LinkedIn - HERE Episode 49: If you marry a midwife, does that make you a midhusband? Episode 19: What do frogs and rabbits have to do with birth in 1978? Two birth stories for the price of one with Robin Bradley, CNM Bly, K. C., Ellis, S. A., Ritter, R. J., & Kantrowitz-Gordon, I. (2020). A survey of midwives' attitudes towards men in midwifery. Journal of midwifery & women's health, 65(2), 199–207. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmwh.13060 Shout outs by Paul throughout this episode: Kathy Yuhas-Arflak Charlotte “Pixie” Elsberry, who passed away last year Lily Shah  Jeanne Murphy Stone Two others he would like to recognize but didn't mention Laura Hollywood (forgot her but you may know her from Nyack) Nila Cilmi (forgot her but she was amazing) Universities with midwifery programs mentioned in this episode Columbia University SUNY Stony Brook SUNY Downstate - You do not have to be a nurse to attend this program - there are other programs in the US that also offer this pathway including distance education options.  Comprehensive list of programs in the US (and additional info for aspiring midwives) Professional midwifery organizations mentioned in this episode American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) Mother Wit General Resources ⁠⁠⁠Thriving After Birth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (an online course) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Comprehensive Care⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠60 Min Consultation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity ⁠⁠⁠Exercise in the perinatal period: For healthcare providers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (an online course) ⁠⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠⁠

My guest today is Dan Doty. He is a writer, wilderness guide, men's work leader, and somatic meditation teacher. He leads retreats, hosts a podcast called Fatherhood Unlocked, and has given talks around the world on masculinity, fatherhood, and spirituality and has a new program for expectant dads called Fatherhood ready and for those already in it, Father's Fire. Resources Fatherhood Ready (next group launching 2/20! - 4w program for $297) Free meditations, podcast interviews and resources for expecting dads Rachelle Garcia Seliga: Innate Traditions The Will to Change by Bell Hooks Mother Wit General Resources ⁠⁠Thriving After Birth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (an online course) ⁠⁠⁠⁠Comprehensive Care⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠60 Min Consultation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity ⁠⁠Exercise in the perinatal period: For healthcare providers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (an online course) ⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠

Holiday newsletter (with all the links mentioned in this episode). Scroll down to the bottom of my https://www.motherwitmaternity.com/https://www.motherwitmaternity.com/. Happy New Year all! Stay safe. With Love and Gratitude, Tanya

Emese Parker is a board-certified women's health nurse practitioner (NP), perinatal mental health specialist, public health geek, and author. After completing bachelor of science degrees in exercise science and nursing, Parker earned her master of science in nursing from Boston College, and master of public health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She has over twenty years of experience in healthcare and loves partnering with women of all ages as they navigate their distinct journeys through life.  In her current role as women's health NP, Parker strives to promote health and wellness through compassionate, holistic care, while empowering women to make informed decisions about their bodies. Her devotion to improving care for the marginalized has fueled her involvement in public health leadership positions with organizations like the University of California San Francisco and the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration's Health Disparities Collaborative. Her new book is called To Carry Wonder is a fun new type of pregnancy book aimed to nurture, inspire and equip mamas and mamas-to-be. In this two-in-one keepsake, women can enjoy a curated blend of story and art with evidence-based insight across the four trimesters. Parker draws from her own personal and clinical experiences with pregnancy, providing practical support via candid memoirs and conversational heart-to-hearts—to inspire wholeness in pregnancy and motherhood.  A portion of the book proceeds go to International Justice Mission (IJM), a global non-profit committed to combatting violence and slavery. Resources Emese Parker's on IG @tocarrywonder or visit tocarrywonder.com to buy her book, to learn more work or even to grab some free educational content What is a fundal height? Lisa Goldstein, CNM from Jamaica Hospital explains in this short video What is matrescence- Ted Talk by Alexandra Sacks International Justice Mission - portion of each book sale goes to this organization! Postpartum Support International Maternal Mental Health Hotline 1-833-TLC-MAMA Mother Wit General Resources ⁠Thriving After Birth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (an online course) ⁠⁠⁠Comprehensive Care⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠60 Min Consultation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity ⁠Exercise in the perinatal period: For healthcare providers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (an online course) ⁠Support the show⁠⁠

My guest today is Laura Williams is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist. She lives in Salida, CO with her husband, 2 daughters and 2 dogs. Laura founded a practice called Hearth Healing, a pre and postnatal pelvic health consultation service that offers accessible information in a 100% virtual space. Though not a substitute for in-person healthcare, pelvic health consultation is a way to bridge the gap in maternal care. Laura believes that everyone has a right to honest, evidence-based, individualized support during pregnancy and postpartum. At Hearth, Laura offers self-management strategies, exercise modifications, early healing tips, and guidance on appropriate resources, products, and providers. Resources Join Laura's mailing list or contact her directly through her website: yourhearthhealing.com or follow her on IG @yourhearthhealing for pregnancy and postpartum pearls Immediate/acute care PT - Birth workers, this is worth knowing about, advocating for, collaborating with your PT colleagues, and developing in your institutions! Enhanced recovery and wellness (Article) Segraves, Rebeca L. PT, DPT, WCS1,2; Croghan, Ann PT, DPT, CLC3; Coreas, Meaghan PT4; Locati, Erin PT, DPT5; Finley, Rachel Noyes PT, DPT6. Initiating Occupational and Physical Therapy in the Hospital After Birth: Access, Reimbursement, and Outcomes. Journal of Women's & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy 47(1):p 26-35, January/March 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/JWH.0000000000000262  Video abstract for the above article Return to running guidelines for clinicians (and motivated clients!) Donnelly GM, Rankin A, Mills H, DE Vivo M, Goom TS, Brockwell E. Returning to running postnatal – guidelines for medical, health and fitness professionals managing this population. Br J Sports Med. 2020 Sep;54(18):1114-1115. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-102139. Epub 2020 May 6. PMID: 32376675. An incredible resource and community for healthcare and fitness professionals Pelvic Guru⁠ - Amazing courses, live events, discounts, use of images and much more. Discussed in today's show Exercise in the perinatal period: For healthcare providers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (an online course by me, Tanya Tringali!) Mother Wit General Resources Thriving After Birth⁠⁠⁠⁠ (an online course) ⁠⁠Comprehensive Care⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠60 Min Consultation⁠⁠⁠⁠: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity Exercise in the perinatal period: For healthcare providers⁠⁠⁠⁠ (an online course) Support the show⁠⁠

My guest today is Sarah Holiday, a long time Mother Wit mama. Sarah (and her husband!) did a lot of hard work in our time together as they worked through mental health challenges, some of which stemmed from childhood experiences, others were related to more current circumstances related to a stressful move, the pandemic and pregnancy itself. No matter what was going on for her, she always knew what she wanted and needed and was always ready and willing to do the hard and introspective work that one must do to overcome or find their way to the other side. She has always kept in touch and she reached out when she was pregnant with her second baby because she was determined to get the in person midwifery care that she deserved that first time around. She is here today to share her two experiences. I feel confident that consumers and providers alike will learn something from her story. Resources At your cervix (Documentary) Consent If you want to deeply learn about the consent process and why is it important for you and/or your clients, look no further. Stephanie Tillman, aka The Feminist Midwife is the best source of information you will find. Also, Birth Monopoly - an incredible resource. Mother Wit General Resources ⁠Thriving After Birth⁠⁠⁠ (an online course) ⁠Comprehensive Care⁠⁠⁠ ⁠60 Min Consultation⁠⁠⁠: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity NEW ⁠⁠⁠Exercise in the perinatal period: For healthcare providers⁠⁠⁠ (an online course) ⁠Support the show⁠

Florence Ann Romano is the author of Build Your Village: A Guide to Finding Joy and Community in Every Stage of Life.  She was born and raised just outside of Chicago where she spent more than fifteen years as a childcare provider, during which time she was known as the Windy City Nanny. I wanted to have her on the show because I really appreciate the way she translates the idea of needing a village to all life stages, situations and circumstances. She wears many hats that no doubt contribute to her unique perspective and expertise. In addition to being an author, she is a personal growth strategist, philanthropist, and businesswoman. She is on the board of directors at the Children's Research Fund, a nonprofit called Female Strong that provides programs and mentorship to middle and high school age girls, and she is a founding member of the Sesame Street's Leadership Council.   Resources Learn more about Florence Ann here Build your village (book) IG: florenceann.romano Mother Wit General Resources Thriving After Birth⁠⁠ (an online course) Comprehensive Care⁠⁠ 60 Min Consultation⁠⁠: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity NEW ⁠⁠Exercise in the perinatal period: For healthcare providers⁠⁠ (an online course) Support the show

In this brief episode I answer a listeners question about exercise in the postpartum period and dive my thoughts about why I have a slight bias towards strength training. Show notes Physical Activity National guidelines  Understanding exercise intensity (i.e., low, mod, high)   Why strength training? - EASY READ   The diabetes - Alzheimers connection  Strength training late in life Peter Attia- The Drive Bulgarian split squat Single leg deadlift Push up progression For more visit Mother Wit's YouTube Channel   And Exercise Playlist   Mother Wit General Resources Thriving After Birth⁠⁠ (an online course) Comprehensive Care⁠⁠ 60 Min Consultation⁠⁠: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity NEW ⁠⁠Exercise in the perinatal period: For healthcare providers⁠⁠ (an online course) Support the show

In this lighthearted little episode You will hear from three husbands who have been married to midwives ranging from 6-38 years! You already know two of them, Rachel Mast and Kathy Herron. They bring with them their husbands, Josh and Pete. You will also meet another very special midwife and her hilarious husband, Danielle and Joe Stracci. Joe, a writer and podcaster himself, was kind enough to let me play a clip from his podcast, I better start writing this down. This started as a silly idea that I conceived of in the weeks leading up to my wedding and that I've been very slowly working on ever since. You will also hear from the greenest of them all, my mid-husband - Pablo Paz. I'll jump in and share some thoughts from time to time. Enjoy and thanks for humoring me.  Have a story that should have been part of this episode about your partner? Send me a voice memo on Spotify or record it on your phone and email it to me Tanya@MotherWitMaternity.com Resources I better start writing this down, Joe Stracci, Season 3 Episode 25, Are we pushing? Spotify - Apple Rachel Mast: What do midwifery and coaching pregnant and postpartum athletes have in common? And Midwife & Coach, returns to share her birth story and return to fitness journey Thriving After Birth⁠ (an online course) ⁠Comprehensive Care⁠ ⁠60 Min Consultation⁠: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity ⁠You Tube Channel⁠ NEW ⁠Exercise in the perinatal period: For healthcare providers⁠ (an online course) Support the show

Lillian Medhus is a Certified Nurse-Midwife and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. She has specialized training in sexual dysfunction, pelvic pain and pelvic floor rehabilitation. She lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and 2 dogs,  where she practices at a large hospital based gynecology clinic. She serves female Veterans and uses a trauma informed model of care. Many of her patients are survivors of military sexual trauma which often overlaps with their gynecologic concerns. She sees many patients for pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence - All conditions that are under-diagnosed and under-treated. In this episode, we talk about the signs and symptoms, why they often overlap and how this leads to difficulty getting to the root cause. Finally, we share ideas for both clients and providers on how we can give and receive higher quality care when it comes to these conditions. Resources Websites International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health Prosayla American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists American Urological Association  The North American Menopause Society  Institute for pelvic health: Beyond the kegel Feminist midwife Birth Monopoly Apps Rosy app OMG yes GINA vaginismus app Books Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski Heal Pelvic Pain by Amy Stein Better Sex Through Mindfulness by Lori Brotto Sex Points by Batsheva Marcus - Times article Tools (Talk to your local provider first!) Intimate rose pelvic wand Dilators Mother Wit Resources Episode on painful postpartum sex, with Kathy Herron Thriving After Birth⁠ (an online course) ⁠Comprehensive Care⁠ ⁠60 Min Consultation⁠: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity ⁠You Tube Channel⁠ NEW ⁠Exercise in the perinatal period: For healthcare providers⁠ (an online course) Support the show Shout outs The Midwife Center (Pittsburgh, PA)

My guests today are Heather Bradford and Signey Olson, they are both midwives and researchers who focus much of their energy on the topic of weight bias among healthcare providers. Today's topic is one that many listeners are going to learn a lot from, both healthcare consumers AND providers. I learned so much from them myself. I came to this conversation prepared to challenge my own deeply held beliefs about health and wellness as it pertains to weight, weight bias, stigma and especially how it pertains to ideas around weight loss and Im so grateful for their time and willingness to share their perspectives and expertise. Guests Heather Bradford Signey Olson @signeyolsonhealth or https://www.signeyolsonhealth.com/ Resources  Podcast survey (Provide feedback or to make your guest pitch) From Thriving After Birth and Exercise in the perinatal period for healthcare providers on body image Health at every size Allostatic Load Podcasts The Love Food Podcast with Julie Duffy Dillon Maintenance Phase with Aubrey Gordan and Michael Hobbs Videos James Corden on Fat Shaming Books “You Just Need to Lose Weight”: And 19 Other Myths About Fat People Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina Strings Articles Tomiyama, A., Carr, D., Granberg, E. et al. How and why weight stigma drives the obesity ‘epidemic' and harms health. BMC Med 16, 123 (2018). Tylka, T., Annunziato, R., Burgard, D. et al. (2014). The weight-inclusive versus weight-normative approach to health: Evaluating the evidence for prioritizing well-being over weight loss, Journal of Obesity. Vadiveloo, M. & Mattei, J. (2017). Perceived weight discrimination and 10-year risk of allostatic load among US adults. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 51(1), 94-104. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-016-9831-7 Ward P, McPhail D. Fat shame and blame in reproductive care: Implications for ethical health care interactions. Women's Reproductive Health. 2019;6(4):225-241.https://doi.org/10.1080/23293691.2019.1653581. doi: 10.1080/23293691.2019.1653581. Wu YK, Berry DC. Impact of weight stigma on physiological and psychological health outcomes for overweight and obese adults: a systematic review. J Adv Nurs. 2018;74:1030–42. Mother Wit Resources Thriving After Birth⁠ (an online course) ⁠Comprehensive Care⁠ ⁠60 Min Consultation⁠: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity ⁠You Tube Channel⁠ NEW ⁠Exercise in the perinatal period: For healthcare providers⁠ (an online course) Support the show

I look forward to sharing this story in more detail but the Mother Wit Podcast is simply not the appropriate forum. The reasons that I started the Mother Wit Podcast are too near and dear to let this derail me now, so other than an unscheduled break and taking some time for self care and reflection, I hope to be back with your health care stories and expert interviews soon. Resources Cure HHT (Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia) What are the signs and symptoms? How is HHT diagnosed? Pregnancy/gynecological care National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) - they have a podcast too! Rare Disease Foundation Mother Wit Resources Thriving After Birth⁠ (an online course) ⁠Comprehensive Care⁠ 60 Min Consultation⁠: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity ⁠You Tube Channel⁠ NEW ⁠Exercise in the perinatal period: For healthcare providers⁠ (an online course)

Meghan Garland PhD, CNM has been a Certified Nurse-Midwife since 2002. Her clinical work focused on low-resource and farmworker populations, providing high-quality and respectful care. She also served her community to reduce rates of preterm birth and infant mortality on the board of Healthy Start. In addition to a long clinical career, she has many years' experience educating nurses to become Nurse-Midwives and Women's Health Nurse Practitioners at Frontier Nursing University as a preceptor, clinical faculty, and academic faculty. Early on in her career, Meghan developed a research interest about the benefits of physical activity during pregnancy. She contributed several chapters to the American Journal of Nursing award-winning textbook Best Practices in Midwifery: Using the Evidence for Change and the American College of Nurse-Midwives 2015 book of the year, Prenatal and Postnatal Care: A Person-Centered Approach. Meghan has also published in the Journal of Emergency Nursing, the Journal for Nurse Practitioners, Worldviews on Evidence-based Nursing, and Nursing Research. She has given podium presentations at national and regional conferences on the topics of pregnancy physical activity, hypertension in pregnancy, determinants of physical activity and shared decision-making. Meghan completed a PhD at Rush University in 2022, she expanded her body of research to examine the gap between physical activity recommendations and physical activity behavior among pregnant women. She has published a 2019 systematic review on the determinants of pregnancy physical activity in Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing Correlates of Physical Activity During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review with Implications for Evidence-based Practice. Meghan published her secondary analysis of physical activity determinants among Black mid-life women in Nursing Research Self-Efficacy, Outcome Expectations, Group Social Support, and Adherence to Physical Activity in African American Women. Meghan's dissertation research examined the influence of theoretical and non-theoretical determinants of pregnancy physical activity among pregnant Black women. This foundational research will inform the development of a culturally tailored physical activity intervention. Connect with Meghan via LinkedIn or by email at meghangarland@msn.com Resources Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period (ACOG, 2020) 2019 Canadian guideline for physical activity throughout pregnancy Support the show Thriving After Birth (an online course) Comprehensive Care 60 Min Consultation: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity You Tube Channel NEW Exercise in the perinatal period: For healthcare providers (an online course)

Ashley Brichter is an educator, speaker, consultant, and entrepreneur. Despite her experience with hundreds of families as a doula and birth educator – like so many, her first birth did not “go as planned.” Better for it, she founded Birthsmarter in 2019, which provides unbiased, inclusive, and award-winning practical wisdom and guidance to the next generation of families. Ashley was born and raised in New York City, though she's temporarily relocated to Salt Lake City, UT and is enjoying the mountains and Red Rocks of The West with her husband and two amazing kids. She is a Certified Fair Play Facilitator, and sits on the board of ProNatal Fitness. BirthSmarter Fair Play (Book, cards and documentary) Lobby Baby (Seth Meyers) Documentary/Comedy Transformed by Birth (Britta Bushnell) Book Birthing From Within (Pam England, Rob Horowitz) Book Aftershock (Documentary on the black maternal mortality- I hope this is important to all birthing people regardless of your race) New York State Doula Pilot Program & NYC specific program Choosing your prenatal care: Midwives, Doulas and OBs, with Tanya Tringali (The Juna Moms Podcast) Mother Wit Resources Support the show Thriving After Birth (an online course) Comprehensive Care 60 Min Consultation: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity You Tube Channel NEW Exercise in the perinatal period: For healthcare providers (an online course)

My guest today is Star Lee. She had an easy time getting pregnant at 40. But after her first birth and 20 months of breastfeeding, when she didn't hit the "first ovulation jackpot" for the second time, she intuitively knew that time was of the essence if she and her partner were serious about having a second child. This is a story of being proactive by someone with a strong sense of self and a natural ability to advocate for herself and even still, it was a difficult experience that she is still sitting with and working through despite beautiful babies and joyful births. Resources- Vocabulary from this episode What are "Day 3 labs" - To be more precise, we can actually check these on cycle days 2-4. This is when we look at your estrogen levels- i.e., estradiol, as well as FSH and LH- these are some of the hormones that engage in a beautiful dance that when in perfect harmony, lead to ovulation. The early days of the menstrual cycle is when they are at their lowest and most stable so this is how we get a sense of what is going on in the first phase of the menstrual cycle- the follicular phase. Later in the cycle, we often check "day 21" labs which means we check progesterone levels to see if they rise appropriately. Day 21 is also a bit of a misnomer because it is only day 21 in a person with a 28 day cycle. Complicated huh? What is a DEXA scan? Its like an X-ray that is most commonly used to assess bone density, i.e., strength and bone loss, i.e., osteoporosis. It is also one of the best ways to understand your entire body composition (fat and muscle mass). Another episode where we talk a bunch about IVF: Supporting Single Parents By Choice, with Midwife Betsy Freeman If IVF is looking like a possible next step for you, Star says, join your local FaceBook groups to get the inside scoop on local providers and client experienes so that you dont ever have to feel like a number. Is your mental health suffering while on your fertility journey, during pregnancy or postpartum. Find a therapist that specializes in the perinatal period. One great place to start is Postpartum Support International (PSI). Mother Wit Resources Support the show Thriving After Birth (an online course) Comprehensive Care 60 Min Consultation: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity You Tube Channel NEW Exercise in the perinatal period: For healthcare providers (an online course)

Kallista helps pregnant mamas get ready for their baby by preparing their self, space, and significant other. She does so through her podcast, The New Mom Boss Podcast, as well as coaching, and online course New Mom Prep School. Kallista is a Registered Nurse, a Certified Lactation Counselor, and is a mom of 3. Her dedication to helping first-time moms was born when she had her first 2 kids 13 months apart -- experiencing the new mom phase back to back. It is her mission to make preparing to be a new mom simple and thorough so that women can enter motherhood with confidence and joy so that they can build a strong bond with their baby. Website | www.newmomboss.com Instagram | @newmomboss Podcast | The New Mom Boss Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-new-mom-boss-podcast/id1518217955?i=1000510614087 Community | New Mom Lounge https://urlgeni.us/instagram/newmomboss Email | kallista@newmomboss.com Mother Wit Options and resources Thriving After Birth (an online course) Comprehensive Care 60 Min Consultation: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity YouTube Channel Support the show (Thank you!) The Mother Wit Podcast Survey (and guest request) (NEW!) Exercise in the perinatal period - For healthcare providers - (An online course) Lo Nigrosh, IBCLC Quabbin Birth Services

Sophie Strauss is a mom and a stylist. She is passionate about personal expression, inclusivity and sustainability AND she loves working with pregnant and postpartum people. She works with and for normal everyday people, not celebrities. She recommends things like buying second hand, hand me downs and even runs clothing swaps in her community. She is the real deal stylist for regular people! Want to work with Sophie? You can find her on IG @SophieStraussStyling or visit her website SophisStraussStyling.com Mother Wit Options and resources Thriving After Birth (an online course) Comprehensive Care 60 Min Consultation: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity YouTube Channel Support the show (Thank you!) The Mother Wit Podcast Survey (and guest request) NEW Exercise in the perinatal period: For healthcare providers (an online course) Lo Nigrosh, IBCLC Quabbin Birth Services

Today's episode is about infant loss. If you are not prepared to listen to this story today, please skip it. Take care of yourself and reach out for help if you are in need. See resources below or on my website. This episode is dedicated to the Shenoy family and to all families who have survived the loss of a child. My guest today is Divya Shenoy. She was pregnant with twins when she came to me for postpartum care. She started early because she knew the risk of preterm birth was increased for twin pregnancies. Shortly after we began working together, she learned that her cervix was shortening and that she required a cerclage- that is a stitch placed in the cervix to help it stay closed and keep the babies inside where they belong. Unfortunately, a few days after her cerclage was placed, her water broke. She spent the next couple of weeks in the hospital so that she and the babies could be monitored closely for the right time to have her babies. We actually had our first session while she was in the hospital and still pregnant. On Jan 14, 2022, she gave birth to two beautiful baby boys, Arvin and Ajay. They weighed less than 2 lbs each. She knew that what was to come was going to be difficult and likely not look at all like what she had seen others go through as they made their transition into parenthood. Stay with us as Divya to tell the rest of her story on her terms. Resources (AKA Divya's “unsolicited advice”) Season 3 Episode 1- Exclusive pumping for twins with Kristen Ross And her Twin Postpartum Doula Services Los Angeles area lactation services: My Nursing Coach A refreshing approach to mental healthcare in the perinatal period, with Jennifer Hampton And her practice, Moxie Mental Health Hand to Hold Support groups, peer support, podcast Preemies on Oxygen (FaceBook Group) Cedar Sinai NICU fund Contact Divya: divbshenoy@gmail.com Mother Wit Options and resources Thriving After Birth (an online course) Comprehensive Care 60 Min Consultation: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity YouTube Channel Support the show (Thank you!) The Mother Wit Podcast Survey (and guest request) Lo Nigrosh, IBCLC Quabbin Birth Services

In this episode, Marielle and I discuss some of the things worth considering when trying to decide where to have your baby. We talk about how vague and ultimately unhelpful terms like "Low risk" and "High risk" are when it comes to sorting through this decision. We also get to hear some of Marielle's story of how she became a homebirth midwife and what its like working with the Amish community in Lancaster, PA. Resources Womankind Midwifery Follow her on IG @womankindmidwifery Journey to Midwifery (In case you want to hear Marielle's whole personal story) Her Esty shop World Health Organization Bulleted key facts with link to the "State of the World's Midwifery, 2021" The Lancet Series on Midwifery Home Birth Summit American College of Nurse Midwives Position Statement on Planned Homebirth

On today's episode, I have one of the most honest stories any new parent has ever told on this show. If you have been listening for a while, you know that each season, I feature clients who are willing to share. I invite people with all sorts of varied experiences and perspectives. But I do try to shine a light on topics for which people need more information, topics that people need to learn more about and especially where I think a personal story is the best way to talk about it. So today, Patti, a client who stands out in my mind as one of the people who struggled the most with a history of depression and anxiety before, during and after her pregnancy, graciously shares her story. At times, I worried that maybe I wouldn't know how best to help her but she worked hard and was so willing to try almost anything I suggested. I found that to be such a unique quality because as you likely know, anxiety and depression can be debilitating but she was rather persistent in her pursuit of happiness. Warning: This episode could be hard to listen to if you are struggling. So please, take care of yourself and if this one isn't for you, skip it. In fact, skip ahead to the resources listed below. Resources Postpartum Support International If you are in crisis and/or having thoughts of suicide: Call 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline. Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-943-5746. Call or text 24/7 English and Spanish, interpreter services for 60 languages Mother Wit Options and resources Thriving After Birth (an online course) Comprehensive Care 60 Min Consultation: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity YouTube Channel Support the show (Thank you!) The Mother Wit Podcast Survey (and guest request) Lo Nigrosh, IBCLC Quabbin Birth Services

Lo Nigrosh is a mom of two kids ages 8 and 4. She is a retired Paralympian who helped her team win a bronze medal in 2004 in Athens, but feels every bit as old as she is now at the age of 41. It was her intense first birth which made her feel even more disabled than she is, that made her consider a different way to birth her second, and insist that every person she encounters as a lactation consultant be treated as an individual. She is the host of The Milk Making Minutes, a podcast that explores breastfeeding struggles and triumphs through the lens of systemic barriers. The Milk Making Minutes (Apple & Spotify) Quabbin Birth Services IG: https://www.instagram.com/lonigrosh/ Lo's Facebook community: Explores the systemic barriers which lead to difficult baby feeding and making it easier for ourselves and those coming behind us. Additional resources mentioned in this episode Breastfeeding USA La Leche League Find your local baby cafe Mother Wit Options and resources Thriving After Birth (an online course) Comprehensive Care 60 Min Consultation: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%off Instagram: @mother.wit.maternity YouTube Channel Support the show (Thank you!) The Mother Wit Podcast Survey (and guest request)

Today we are closing out the season with a very special guest. My friend Carolina Murriel is a trauma-informed storyteller, teacher and artist. She is a longtime journalist and podcast producer who co-founded the award-winning podcast studio Pizza Shark. Through all of Season 3, Carolina has been helping me make improvements to the Mother Wit podcast behind the scenes. At the same time, she was training as an end-of-life doula and embarking on a journey to take care of health issues we deal with a lot at Mother Wit. Carolina is joining us today to talk about her work, her health journey and how we ended up here! Resources A related episode A book recommendation from Carolina: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk A book recommendation from Tanya: Being Mortal by Atul Gawande A podcast recommendation and link to Carolina's story: The Duo Lingo Spanish Podcast The Mother Wit Podcast Survey

Dr. Rosen has been a chiropractor since 1981. Over the past 4 decades he has taught pediatrics, craniopathy, primary healthcare management, practice management and chiropractic philosophy nationally and internationally to thousands of chiropractors, chiropractic students, healthcare providers and on public forums.He is a certified SOT® advance practitioner and craniopath, certified pediatric chiropractic practitioner, developer of seminars and has written several books on SOT and pediatric adjusting as well as numerous articles in chiropractic journals and research conferences.With his wife Dr. Nancy Watson, they run the Peak Potential Institute, offering premier educational programs for healthcare professionals.  Their most recent book “It's All in the Head”, was written to inform and bring awareness of the implications of growth and developmental challenges in the early stages of childhood development. Their book empowers parents to understand normal developmental milestones and to recognize problems in the earliest stages allowing them to seek appropriate care before problems become intrenched and create diagnosable disease processes.As parents of two daughters, Drs. Rosen and Watson have been committed to helping other parents learn from both their personal and professional experiences.  Through their combined 80 years of teaching, writing and clinical experience they have brought a unique insight, motivation, and support to thousands of lay and professional individuals in numerous fields.ResourcesLearn more about Martin and Nancy on their Website where you can find their books including, It's all in the head, online courses, seminars and a referral directory to practitioners who are certified by their institute, Peak Potential Institute . And of course follow them on IG @drmartinrosen CDC milestones with free milestone tracking app ParentData by Emily Oster - A brief discussion on one milestone, crawling. - Just to give you an idea of why there is debate about this. You can dive into the research to the extent you see fit.Wonder Weeks - A book and app that helps you anticipate some of the behavioral (and sleep) changes that arise in relation to what they call “leaps”Episode on Tongue Tie with Lisa Palladino, CNM, IBCLC - @tonguetieexperts - for new listeners - if this was new information and you want to learn more.Contact InfoWellesley Chiropractic drmartinrosen@gmail.comIG @drmartinrosenSupport the showThriving After Birth (an online course)Comprehensive Care60 Min Consultation: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%offInstagram: @mother.wit.maternityYou Tube Channel

Dr. Karlie is the co-founder of a postpartum activewear brand called Jen & Keri. She is also a sports chiropractor and certified strength and conditioning coach who is passionate about providing practical tools to moms and moms-to-be, helping them restore their bodies and continue exercising after their babies are born.Dr. Karlie is offering our listeners a 15% off discount at Jen & Keri.  Just use code MOTHERWIT15 at checkout.ResourcesCertified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) find a provider hereWebster technique & Find a pediatric chiropractor & find a provider hereActive Release Technique (ART)Piston Breathing (Julie Wiebe PT, DPT)Start and ScaleSupport the showThriving After Birth (an online course)Comprehensive Care60 Min Consultation: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%offInstagram: @mother.wit.maternityYou Tube Channel

If you missed season 1 episode 12, I recommend listening to this one first. But for those of you who are not going to do that. Most of the time when I find a new show, I just jump in right and don't look back either so I get it.  In which case, here is a quick recap... Rachel is a very talented athlete. She is a gymnast, a crossfitter and does jujitsu competitively. She is a crossfit L2 coach and a Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coach (P&PA Coach). She is also a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) who attends out of hospital births both at home and at a freestanding birthing center in Meridian Idaho at the New Beginnings Birthing Center.When she was on the show back in March she was pregnant with her first baby and suffering from hyperemesis. We talked about her experience and about why coaching and midwifery are so well aligned. Basically, we shared a soapbox for the better part of an hour. It is one of my most listened to episodes to date. So, I asked her to  join us again to share her birth story and to update us on her return to fitness. I am particularly interested to hear what might have felt unexpected, or if any given experience challenged her beliefs or changed her perspective. Because, while I don't believe we must have babies in order to be good at this work, it does provide a perspective that you cant get any other way.Enjoy the show.Resources and shout outsBlog Post that summarizes Rachel's tips on birth prep and return to fitness from this episodeExpecting Amy (Documentary about Amy Schumer's pregnancy/experience with hyperemesis)Dr. Jennifer Anacker, Anacker Clinic of Chiropractic, Meridian and Boise, IDWant to become a Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coach, find one, or purchase a training program to help you stay active during pregnancy and postpartum?Six exercises for the early postpartum period (Brianna Battles, owner/founder of Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism)Support the showThriving After Birth (an online course)Comprehensive Care60 Min Consultation: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%offInstagram: @mother.wit.maternityYou Tube Channel

Jessica Lynn is a Certified Nurse-Midwife, certified diabetes care and education specialist, and health coach in New York City. Jessica has a passion for supporting people with diabetes on their journeys from preconception, through pregnancy and beyond.Uniquely qualified for this work, Jessica has lived with Type 1 diabetes since childhood, has 2 children of her own, and has attended more than 1300 births. In the midst of her midwifery career, she was driven to learn more about diabetes, so she worked for 3 years in a diabetes-specific endocrine practice. Jessica now serves as a hospital-based perinatal diabetes specialist and also provides online education and coaching. She teaches widely, including midwifery students at Columbia and NYU.  Jessica believes every person can benefit from collaborative midwifery care, especially people with "high risk" pregnancies.Resources (Tune in for a much deeper discussion and many more details)Pre-diabetes: Defined as HgbA1C of 5.7-6.4%. 1 in 3 people have pre-diabetes and only 1 in 10 are aware. It is reversible through the following...5-7% weight loss, 150 min per week of exercise.Type 2 diabetes:  Defined as HgBA1C of 6.5%. 1 in 10 in the US and 1 in 4 are unaware.Gestational Diabetes: Exists only in pregnancy- Any high blood sugar that is recognized in pregnancy caused by placental hormones. Most commonly diagnosed by a glucose challenge test (50g Glucola) followed by a fasting glucose challenge test (100g Glucola).Type 1 diabetes: Autoimmune, a genetic predisposition. 50% are diagnosed childhood and the other 50% are diagnosed in adulthood. It is also becoming more common. We talk about strategies that are not often discussed in the healthcare setting that can help improve blood sugar.Postpartum people who had gestational diabetes need further testing!Continuous Glucose Monitoring (Tanya's favorite company) Nutrisense Use code MotherWit for a discount at check outHow to connect with Jessica Lynn: diabetesmidwife.com and  @diabetesmidwife on InstagramSupport the showThriving After Birth (an online course)Comprehensive Care60 Min Consultation: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%offInstagram: @mother.wit.maternityYou Tube Channel

Gabi Rocha is the co-founder and COO of an impact organization called Laboratoria that runs tech boot camps for underserved women throughout Latin America. She is Brazilian and has lived all over the world, mostly in Latin America and the US. She had a "normal" postpartum yet found herself grateful for the extra layer of support we provide here at Mother Wit.Link to episode with Kim Weiss-Lewit on the virtual care we provided to Gabi as discussed in this episode.Link to episode with Jennifer Hampton, an incredible therapist who works with people in the perinatal period.Link to episode with Kayla Kajiyama, pediatric sleep coach.Support the showThriving After Birth (an online course)Comprehensive Care60 Min Consultation: Use discount code- FirstConsult10%offInstagram: @mother.wit.maternityYou Tube Channel

Everyone's postpartum return to fitness is a personal journey and deserves to be a personalized experience. I also think it can be hard to understand how virtual fitness coaching works when it's anything other than a zoom exercise class. So today, Jessica and I revisit the unique way we worked together and how she learned to give herself kindness and grace in this transformational life stage.Resources12 workouts for $12 includes  warm up, 2 circuits and bonus content for returning to running. Check them out here. This is ideal for you if you are >6w postpartum and have already put in the work to rehab your core and pelvic floor and have seen a PFPT if there were any concerns. Its body weight only but not what you should be doing first.Subscribe to my YouTube pageCheck out my exercise playlist.Support the show

I think the title says it all but you will have to listen to get all the details. The biggest take away is the connection that you can literally hear and feel between these two women. Forming these real connections is one of the gifts that midwives give to our clients but it takes two and the people who choose home birth are open to and actively giving back to their midwives too. Im not trying to change anyones mind about where the right place to give birth is. The right place is exactly where you want it to be, where you feel safest. But I do hope that this episode will help to answer questions that listeners may have about home birth and dispel some myths and at a minimum, help people understand why some choose home birth and help newly pregnant people better understand all of their options.GuestsDori Scallet is a home birth mama x2, partner to Joe, a therapist and social worker (a former performer like so many of my midwife and therapist friends). She works with individuals and couples and works with people who have experienced trauma.Martine is a midwife in NYC. She attended Home births for 17 years! She is adjunct faculty at NYU and is the Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation for the advancement of Haitian Midwives (FAHM).ResourcesThe business of being born (Documentary by Rikki Lake and Abby Epstein)Maternidad la Luz (A famous- in the midwife world- birthing center in El Paso, Texas)Preparing for Home (New Yorker) A homebirth story by Keith Gessen, a home birth father (About Martine!)Support the show

Nicole Deggins, CNM, MSN, MPH, is one of the country's leading birth advocacy experts named “The Midwife Shifting the Narrative” by ESSENCE Magazine. She is a sought-after trainer, public speaker and community educator working to eliminate perinatal disparities and bring transparency to prenatal education and the medical obstetrical system. As the founder and CEO of Sista Midwife Productions. She is dedicated to helping individuals and communities create a paradigm shift around the experience of giving birth. She is the creator of the largest online Black Midwife and Doula directory, and the signature Sista Midwife Birth Sister/Doula training. Nicole uses 30 years of experience working with pregnant women and families, to train and support birth workers, communities and organizations that work with childbearing families. Through webinars, keynotes, live workshops, and events, Nicole creates enlightening and engaging programs. Nicole teaches that Birth is The Revolution and through birth we can heal our communities.Written Transcript Available.ResourcesSista Midwife ProductionsThe Birth Story Project Online (For anyone who has given birth in Louisiana) surveyFind a Black Midwife or DoulaBirth Justice Film Festival (Art of Birthing)EBB podcast featuring NicoleShafia Monroe'Pushed by Jennifer BlockThe Vagina MonologuesKaren Brody: A play called BirthPropeller: Impact start up accelerator Support the show

My guest today is Andrea Kirschling, a Mother Wit mama who has grown increasingly passionate about "combo feeding" meaning the use of both breastmilk and formula. She's grown so passionate that she has recently become a Certified Lactation Consultant herself and you will soon find her using the handle/website of ComboFeedingSupport. Ill be sure to update our listeners as her local practice gets up and running.ResourcesSupplemental Nursing System (Medela)Symphony Breast Pump (Medela)TorticollisTongue tie course for parents and professionals created by Lisa Palladino, The Tongue Tie ExpertIV fluids in labor and effects on infant weight loss in the early newborn periodHere is a study on restricting fluids showing that this has no effect- but take note that what we are talking about is when people in labor are given lots of fluid. This study uses 2500 ml but I can tell you that in a long induction for example, we are talking about much larger amounts of fluid.This study uses lower fluid amounts but comes to the conclusion that we should use the weight of the baby at 24h of life to determine future weight loss rather than using birth weight. Related EpisodesTongue tie and other bumps in the roadYour tongue tie questions (and mine!) With Lisa Palladino CNM, IBCLCBirth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

My guest today is Rebecca Feldman. She is a Certified Nurse Midwife and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She is the founder and director of Brooklyn Parent Support and she specializes in medication management for pregnancy and lactation. She is passionate about group support for pregnant and postpartum people.In this episode we discuss:Baby bluesPostpartum Depression (rage as a sign of overwhelm)Postpartum AnxietyPostpartum PsychosisTreatment during pregnancy and lactation (Sleep, psychotherapy and medication)Prioritizing sleep, breastfeeding and mental healthWhy group support?A transcript is available for today's episode Resources:1. Brooklyn Parent Support or on IG @Brooklyn_Parent_SupportFree parents mood support groupFree Black and LatinX parents support groupGroup therapy for pregnancy and postpartumMedication management group2. Postpartum Support International3. If you are in crisis and/or having thoughts of suicide:  Call 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline.4. Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-943-5746. Call or text 24/7English and Spanish, interpreter services for 60 languages Birth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

Guest: Kristen Ross is a Mother Wit twin mama and also a postpartum doula in LA. @twin.postpartum.doula or her website www.twinpostpartumdoula. comKristen was so innovative and creative in her approach to feeding her babies and boy did it pay off. She has mastered the art of exclusive pumping like no other. She has also recently become a postpartum doula and hopes to focus on families with multiples and working with the LGBTQ+ community.Resources (also see transcript):Write your Birth Story (Carrie Murphy, Doula, Writer)The First Forty Days (Essential reading per Kristen) and also, The Fourth TrimesterHealthline: What are Mono-Di twins? (great infographic)Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS)Westchester Lactation, Dana Hilsenrath, IBCLC - Amazing Virtual IBCLC who works with my clients, especially my twin moms or people who have had babies in the NICUSilverettesErica Davis' Whole Body Pregnancy (Doula Training that Kristen loved)Brands of Breast Pumps used by KristenBaby Buddha (Kristen's favorite!)SpectraHygeia Enjoye (Uses Medela Parts)Medela (Symphony- Hospital rental)Elvie (Hands free- can work for some, but Kristen does not recommend as a primary pump)More tips and tricks available in this weeks blog postBirth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

Anne is a mom to two boys- James and Charlie.  Before becoming a mom she was a Pastry Chef.  After experiencing serious burn out in the restaurant industry, she shifted to coaching Crossfit.  Then, while pregnant with her first son, she became certified as a Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism coach because she was not getting answers to her questions on exercise in pregnancy.  She had her first son in a hospital with an obstetrician, and quickly realized that the whole experience was not what she wanted.  Three years later, she had her second son at home under the care of a midwife.  Both experiences taught her so much about herself as well as the birth world.Anne is a friend from my OG Crossfit gym in Brooklyn, shout out to Crossfit 718! I wanted to have her on the show to share her birth stories, and, more importantly, to talk us through why she had a hospital birth with her first baby and a home birth with her second. This is so important for people to hear because Anne's story is not unique. Many have a first baby in the hospital for a variety of reasons but partly if not entirely, because they were raised believing that this is the safest way to do things and they simply don't question it as a norm. But for many young and healthy women, having a baby is often the first time they are a “patient” in the hospital, and some will walk away from this experience feeling unsupported, others will feel as if they were fighting an uphill battle, some will be traumatized, obstetric violence and coercion is real. Some people have received the inaccurate memo that out of hospital birth is unsafe. Many don't know what a midwife is or exactly what we do or where we do it.Join us as Anne shares her journey with us.ResourcesChristiane McColskey, City Midwifery (Anne's Midwife mentioned in this episode)Tanya Wills, Manhattan Birth (Anne took a class with this awesome midwife to prepare for a home birth)New Yorker Article on home birth - Martine Jean Baptiste, one of the two midwives featured in this article will be a guest next season.Birth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

My guest today is Emily Wannenburg. She is a midwife who was trained in South Africa. She had her first baby there and her second in Baltimore, MD. She is the owner and founder of 4th Trimester Fitness Method which she will tell us more about as she shares her story. This is the 4th and final birth story for this season. I hope you enjoy it. ResourcesLeopold's Maneuver (Image)Cytomegalovirus (CMV)Third-degree tears: If you missed Season 2 episode 3, go back and check that out. Plus the accompanying blog post on tip for healing 3rd and 4th degree lacerations.Dyspareunia: Simply put, means painful sex. Here is a bit more info.Hypnobirthing J breathing (video with two NHS midwives and hypnobirthing instructors)Birth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

Nurse Nikki is a Family Nurse Practitioner, trained doula, and IBCLC. She is the owner and founder of Bloom Maternal Health and is one of my heroes. Her mission is to improve maternal health outcomes and decrease disparities, especially for Black women. She inspires me to think outside the box in ways that are hard for me, and interestingly enough, she also encourages me to think inside the box in ways that challenge me. But seriously, my mentors aside, a couple of which you have met already this season, she is up there on a pedestal with those I respect most.  Nurse Nikki runs multiple programs including Bloom Community Health, Bloom Period, and My Yoni which we will talk more about today. She also provides services both virtually and in-person to pregnant and postpartum people who have had breast and gynecological surgeries as well as those who have experienced pregnancy loss. She is also one of the lactation consultants that shares her expertise in, Thriving After Birth, my online, comprehensive, self-paced course on all things postpartum.ResourcesSista Midwife Productions: Nicole Deggins, CNM, MSN, MPHIrth App: Kimberly Seals AllersBloom Maternal Health: Nurse Nikki, FNP, IBCLC: -Available for in-person care in Houston and New Orleans, Dallas (probably) coming soon. Virtual support available nationally.Nurse Nikki YouTube Channel IG: @nursenikkinpBirth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

My guest today is Cheri Van Hoover. She has been an ardent advocate for women, families, and the profession of midwifery for more than 4 decades. She became a midwife in 1987. A native of Washington State, she lived in California for 32 years, where she received her midwifery education and provided full-scope care for widely diverse populations in varied settings, culminating as assistant clinical professor with the UCSF Faculty OB/GYN Group. Since returning to rural Washington 15 years ago, her clinical practice has focused on outpatient reproductive health and she has served as distance faculty for the Midwifery Institute of Philadelphia University, now Thomas Jefferson University. This is how I know Cheri. She was first my professor for a health policy course and then we worked together during the years that I was faculty at PhilaU. Her scholarly publications cover diverse topics: health policy education, midwives in politics, midwives as palliative care clinicians, and body art. She is an active member of the American College of Nurse-Midwives and has won numerous professional awards. Cheri is the third of 4 birth professionals to share her birth story, which of course is also the birth of a mother and a midwife. ResourcesAn interview with Suzanne Arms and her website.Apgar score (ACOG)27:45 Cheri talks about dopplers. She is talking about most common tool that we use to listen to the heartbeat of a fetus. A handheld doppler allows you to hear and count the fetal heart rate. It is the same technology used with continuous fetal monitoring. Unfortunately, despite its widespread use, it has not been shown to significantly improve outcomes in low-risk pregnancies, it is associated with false positive results and therefore leads to an increased use of cesarean sections.Continuous fetal monitoring (Evidence Based Birth)Rh-negative blood type and Rhogam (ACNM)Story of Kate Bowland NOTE: The author defines lay midwives as, “Midwives who are not nurses.” Later, she defines it as, “midwives without institutional training.” Neither of these definitions are accurate today. They were at the time because the CM and CPM credential did not yet exist. Also, this article is not about “Granny midwives” despite their mention and this is touched on too superficially to do this part of the discussion justice. Addressing racism in midwiferyBirth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

My guest today is Kaela Kajiyama. She is a pediatric sleep coach who I love to connect and collaborate with. She helped me see things differently when it came to this fairly new specialty because, in years past as I became more and more aware of sleep coaches, I got the impression that this was all about implementing cry it out but paying someone to do it for you. Then I started to see some nuance, but I was still quite skeptical, especially as it related to supporting breastfeeding goals, but Kaela has really helped me to see the bigger picture. Of course, all sleep coaches are different and come with their own ideas of what is right or wrong and what works and doesn't work and there isn't a lot of hard science yet, but I can still get behind sound advice when framed the right way. It's not a far cry from things that I would call midwifery intuition, things that we have known in this profession for nearly all of time but have had to prove before being heard. ResourcesKaela's website: Sustainable Sleep and IG handle: @sustainable.sleepMommy Labor Nurse episode 74 (Liesel interviews me and talks about her mental health)Attachment theory vs attachment parenting (Article)Thriving After Birth: Mother Wit's comprehensive, self-paced, online postpartum courseBirth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

Guest: Robin BradleyA midwife who practiced in Westchester County for her entire 30+ year career. Robin and Kathy Herron, who you recently heard talking about painful sex in the postpartum period are the two most important midwives in my own professional journey. They took me under their wing and taught me everything they knew.Robin is here to tell her birth stories today. However, this is also the birth of a midwife. These stories are often interwoven. What a special treat it was for me to document her stories given the role she has played in my life and career.ResourcesHistorical people, places, and medical information mentioned in this episodeRabbit test Sister Angela Murdaugh Therese Dondero, a midwife who died at the age of 40. She made important contributions including starting the historic and beloved practice at North Central Bronx – A practice that remains beloved today. Please forgive the strange link to an important book called Mainstreaming Midwives. It was not easy to find something open source to share with you. Pelvis shapes and how they relate to birth experiences: Robin talks about her “platypelloid  pelvis.” In reality, most are of mixed shapes. Historically, we have talked about them as distinct. These distinctions have since been debunked. Furthermore, the research that led to the names of these 4 main pelvic shapes was racist and its usefulness is currently being questioned.ScopolamineKaro Syrup infant formulaTransient tachypnea of the newbornMaternity Center AssociationKitty ErnstNipple Stimulation for augmentationLaboyer, Gentle BirthBirth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

My guest today is Jennifer Hampton. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has a particular interest and specialized training in perinatal mental health. She is a frequent member of my interdisciplinary team. Jennifer has a rather unique way of melding her experiences as a therapist, mom and coach and although I've never had a session with her myself, there is a common theme that I get from my clients when they report back to me and boy do I wish I could be a fly on the wall! Anyway, I'll let you, the listeners, see if you can put your own finger on what it is that makes her such a special and welcome addition to my team. ResourcesPostpartum Support InternationalBlue Dot ProjectSolution-focused brief therapyBirth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

My guest today is Julietta Appleton, she is a hypnotherapist, childbirth educator, and doula with a Master's degree in public administration. You can hear her talk about Self-hypnosis for labor pain management on the Birthful Podcast. She founded the first free-standing birthing center in Westchester County. It was called the Birth Cottage. She has written a memoir called, SOLA: Hollywood, McCarthyism, and a Motherless Child Abroad that is due to be published this summer. You can learn more about it here! ResourcesClearwater FestivalHudson Valley Birth NetworkMaternity Center AssociationElizabeth Seton Childbearing CenterEpisode with Lisa Palladino on Tongue-tie and link to her podcastHypospadiasThe Bradley methodThe Husband StitchAftershock (Documentary on racial disparities in maternal mortality)Mind + Body Birth (Julietta's website)Birth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

My guest today is Kathy Herron. She is a Midwife practicing just north of NYC, in a sweet, once little but growing practice called Full Circle Women's Health. Over the years Kathy has become an expert in painful sex and the treatment of people who experience it. She shares her knowledge at national conferences and helps other midwives add these skills to their toolboxes. She is one of the most compassionate providers I've ever met and I'm proud to say that she helped me to become the midwife that I am today. Guest: Kathy Herron, MS, CNM, FACNMResourcesMelissa Keras Donaghy (Pelvic Floor PT - One of the best there is!)American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)Come as you are by Emily NagoskiOnline programs POP up: Fitness and education for people with pelvic organ prolapse (i.e., POP) and for healthcare professionalsPregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism (Brianna Battles) Pelvic Floor aware fitness programming and education for trainers and coachesBirth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

Katrina Fields was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 21.  She began a career in healthcare-focusing on patient experience in large part due to her experience and desire to help others. Katrina shares how she actively navigated this trauma when it arose again for her due to nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.  She also experienced a 4th-degree laceration during the birth of her baby.  We talk about her approach to managing all of this (and more) both physically and emotionally.Trigger Warning: This episode may not be appropriate for everyone Guest: Katrina FieldsResourcesGentle birth hypnobirthing appPelvic Floor Birth Prep- Dr. Mel's course (with Tanya as guest/expert midwife)Thrive Pelvic Health (Phoenix)4th-degree tear support group (Facebook) Katrina's 4th degree tear tips (Mother Wit blog post)Birth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

My guest today is Betsy Freeman. She is a Certified Nurse Midwife in Portland, Oregon. She is herself a single mother by choice and is on a mission to provide better support, education, and options to others who are on this path. I have asked Besty to come on today to help me better understand the needs of this population.Betsy offers one-on-one consultations, group coaching options, and soon, virtual retreats! If you are just starting down this path or you are on it and finding long and winding, reach out to her.Guest: Betsy Freeman, CNMResources:Website: betsyfreeman.coEmail: betsyfreemanmidwife@gmail.comThings mentioned in today's episode that I thought you might like to know more about:Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)California Conceptions Birth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

My guest today is Chantel Zapata-Pray. She is one of the original Mother Wit Clients. We started working together in December of 2018 on preconception care So, what is Preconception care?  Healthcare focused on one's health and wellness provided with the explicit purpose of improving the health of the birthing person and baby.  Most people don't know to prepare or ask for this type of support and while it's fairly commonplace to schedule an annual exam, it's not at all commonplace to say, “I'm planning a pregnancy in about a year and I want to make sure I'm tip-top. So, we midwives, and others, of course, squeeze this in wherever we can, and unfortunately, it can be almost imperceptible to our clients and society at large. Guest: Chantel Zapata-PrayResourcesOfficial position statement on preconception care from the American College of Nurse-MidwivesFibroidsDuchenne Muscular DystrophyTanya's favorite Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) By Nutrisense Use code MOTHERWIT for $25 off your purchase.Birth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

Individualization!One of my favorite things to do is educate both my clients and healthcare providers about fitness in the perinatal period. There is so much that needs to change so much about the way we approach this discussion in the clinical setting. Sometimes it doesn't happen at all and often times it is brief, inaccurate, and instills fear in the people who are trying to get moving or who want to stay moving. My guest today is Rachel Mast. She is a Certified Professional Midwife at the New Beginnings Birthing Center in Meridian, Idaho. Rachel is a gymnast, a crossfitter, and also does jujitsu- Competitively! She is a CFL2 and a P&PA coach herself. Note: Rachel and I start off discussing her experience with hyperemesis and a bit about the very special practice that she works in which is a mixed practice of CNMs and CPMs. Guest: Rachel MastResourcesPelvic GuruFor consumers: International Directory of providers and fitness professionalsFor professionals: Amazing continuing ed and resources includingThe Female Athlete Level 1 and level 2 with Antony Lo- who I mention anytime I talk about fitness. Follow him @physiodetective on IGPregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism (Brianna Battles): Education for professionals and pregnant and postpartum people(Article) Morning Chalk up: From pregnancy to podium, the Queen of Iceland returnsBirth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

In this episode, you will hear another story of postpartum preeclampsia, but in this case, Tracey had lined up comprehensive care while she was still pregnant. Cindy Stein, her virtual midwife joins her to tell their story.If you are a healthcare provider interested in learning more about this model of care, partnering or offering it to your clients, email me at Tanya@MotherWitMaternity.comResourcesFor clientsFor professionalsBirth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

My guest today is Lisa Paladino is a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Certified Nurse Midwife, with over 30 years of experience helping new families to breastfeed. In addition to guiding hundreds of parents through pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, Lisa is an author, lecturer and advocate for tongue tie education and women's health issues.Through Tongue Tie Experts social communities and online courses, Lisa shares successful methods and protocols that she has developed to guide families and the professionals who serve them.  If you didn't listen to last week's episode with my client, Erin Khan, go back and listen. This episode will address the clinical side of many things that we spoke of from the parents perspective. ResourcesProfessional ChecklistQuestions to Ask When Looking for A Provider for Tongue Tie TreatmentSigns and Symptoms of Tongue Tie (for parents)Tongue Tie Experts (Lisa's website) Instagram @tonguetieexperts Facebook Group Breastfeeding Tongue Tied Babies (For parents and professionals) It Shouldn't Hurt to Nurse Your Baby: Healing the Six Most Common Causes of Nipple Pain (Lisa's book!) Birth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

Tongue-tie is common yet poorly understood by many clinicians and clients alike. Misinformation and conflicting advice abound. It is distressing to new parents and can lead many to end their breastfeeding journeys early. Evidence-based and empathic support is essential. Erin's story is intense and takes twists and turns I've not seen with other clients. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in. It's our longest episode thus far but I trust it will keep your attention. In addition to tongue-tie, you will hear about some other bumps in the road including her prolonged perineal healing process, postpartum depression, and her experience of sleep training her infant.Guest: Erin KhanResources:Tongue Tie: Lisa Palladino IG: @tonguetieexperts or visit her website (she will be on episode 10 to answer some of the clinical questions that arose for me as Erin told her story).Find a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist: Pelvic Guru directoryPerinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Postpartum Support International Birth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show

In this episode, I catch up with a colleague and former client, Liesel Teen. We talk about some interesting strategies for self-care, ADHD in women vs men and, and how she is managing the success and growth of Mommy Labor Nurse (including the way she sources props for her pregnant Barbie and labor photo shoots.Guest: Liesel Teen ResourcesThe 5am Club by Robin SharmaThe Artist's Way (A New York Times article on the author and morning pages)ADHD in Women (it looks different than it does in men)Birth It Up By Leisel Teen, Mommy Labor Nurse, check out her podcast, episode #74 to hear our conversationOnline Childbirth Education. Choose the program that is right for you! Pop Up Courses for people with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and professionalsSupport the show