Podcasts about postpartum healing

Dr. Carole Keim takes listeners through one of the earliest and most important decisions in pregnancy: choosing the right support team. In this solo episode, she explains the differences between obstetricians, certified nurse midwives, and doulas, helping parents understand the unique role each plays during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Dr. Keim also walks through the typical timeline of prenatal visits, ultrasounds, testing, and vaccines, giving expectant parents a practical overview of what to expect from the first positive pregnancy test through delivery. With her warm and reassuring approach, Dr. Keim also explores what labor and birth are really like beyond what's often portrayed in movies. She discusses birth plans, labor support, cervical checks, fetal monitoring, inductions, C-sections, and postpartum healing, while emphasizing that every pregnancy and birth experience is different. Parents will come away with a clearer understanding of how to build a supportive birth team and how to prepare emotionally and physically for welcoming a new baby.  Key Moments 00:00 Introduction to OBs, midwives, and doulas 02:17 Pregnancy tests and scheduling the first prenatal appointment 03:35 The 8–12 week visit, ultrasounds, and viability checks 05:35 The 20-week anatomy scan and fetal development 07:53 Glucose tolerance testing and gestational diabetes screening 10:16 Vaccines during pregnancy: Tdap, flu, COVID, and RSV 12:29 Breech babies, turning procedures, and planned C-sections 14:58 Routine late pregnancy visits and induction discussions 16:15 Certified nurse midwives vs obstetricians 20:07 What doulas do during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum 24:23 Birth plans, labor positions, and creating a calming environment 27:13 Labor monitoring, cervical checks, and delivery interventions 31:59 Postpartum healing, recovery, and spacing pregnancies 35:23 Final thoughts and additional resources for parents __ How to choose an OB or midwife  OBs, family doctors, and midwives can deliver babies Group practices are pretty standard nowadays; meet your main doctor/midwife but also meet the team who might be delivering (either other people in the office or a laborist) Personality fit is a big deal Obstetricians and family doctors are medical doctors.  Their training involves 4 years of undergrad, 4 years of medical school, and 4 years of residency (12 years total). There are two types of midwives: lay midwives and CNMs. Lay midwives are those who have experience delivering low-risk babies out of the hospital, typically at home.  They have no certification or licensure requirements, and no formal medical training.  Home births with a lay midwife are by far the most dangerous and I have seen some bad outcomes and cannot ethically support them.  When I speak about midwives during this episode, I am not including lay midwives. CNMs are required to have a bachelor's degree in nursing (4 years of undergrad), then 2 years of graduate-level nurse midwife training (6 years total). The main differences are the knowledge base and the approach to care. Doctors Nurses OBs, family doctors, and midwives can see you during your pregnancy and can deliver babies vaginally. Only OBs can perform c sections and take care of high-risk pregnancies (moms under 18yrs or over 35 years, those with health conditions, those with prior c-section, twins/triplets Birth location OBs deliver in hospitals because it is the safest setting Midwives can deliver at hospitals, birth centers, and/or at home depending on the local regulations Timing of appointments   In the US, the number of weeks starts at the beginning of your last period, so when you miss a period and test you are 4 weeks pregnant Ovulation and fertilization happen at 2 weeks, so you aren't actually pregnant until then, but we are counting from LMP In the US, the due date is at 40 weeks In other countries they may count dates starting at conception/ovulation, so the due date is at 38 weeks Initial appt: 6-8 weeks or whenever you find out you're pregnant, whichever is later First trimester (until 12 weeks and 6 days): you'll be seen 2-3x; initial confirmation appt, 6-8 weeks for dating, 10-12 weeks for NIPT. Blood testing and urine testing for STIs, drugs, ultrasound for dates, hear heartbeat, NIPT (check out the genetics episode 503) Second trimester (13 0/7 to 27 6/7): appts about every other week, anatomy scan, testing for gestational diabetes, further genetic testing and/or ultrasounds if indicated. Third trimester (28-40 weeks): appointments every 2 weeks, then weekly starting at 38 weeks.  Check urine for protein (a sign of pre eclampsia) at each visit.  GBS screen.  RPR on admission to hospital. Postpartum: 2 weeks and 6 weeks High-risk pregnancies will be seen more often.  A pregnancy can become high risk at any time. Doula What they can do: emotional support, physical comfort during labor and delivery. What they can't do: anything medical, including deliver babies. Reasons you might want one: to keep you as comfortable as possible during labor; they can get you food/water/ice chips, rub your feet or neck if you want, call the nurse for you, crowd control, can articulate your preferences while you're in labor, possibly also attending to partner during delivery Reasons you might not want one: expense, privacy, not needed if you have a support person Birthing options / Birth plans Birth plans How you want your birth experience to be Birth is a very tenuous process and doesn't always go according to plan.  A birth plan is a nice outline of preferences, if you have any. If you are planning a vaginal delivery, keep in mind that your birth team has the main objective of having a healthy mom and baby.  If your provider says that something needs to change during labor or delivery, there is usually a medical safety reason for that change. Scheduled C-Sections Reasons you might be scheduled for a C-section: repeat, breech baby, twins/triplets, high risk for underlying medical conditions in you or the baby.  Scheduled C-sections typically have a shorter birth plan: music in the operating room one support person in there with you will the support person go with the baby or stay with mom when the C-section is over? Even if you're scheduled for a C-section, you might go into labor early and need an urgent or emergent C-section before the scheduled date. Scheduled inductions  Reasons you might be scheduled: post dates, pre eclampsia, gestational diabetes, specific high-risk pregnancy reasons There are a few ways to induce labor, including medication taken by mouth or placed in the vagina to help open the cervix, IV medication called pitocin which causes your uterus to contract, and placing something such as a stick that absorbs fluid and expands or a balloon that is placed by your provider in the cervix to help it open Less to plan, but the same as for vaginal delivery. Mixed evidence as to whether scheduled inductions are more or less likely to end in C-section Vaginal delivery If you fully go into labor naturally, meaning you have contractions every 3-5 minutes lasting 1 minute each and your water breaks, you may need no intervention at all. Areas to plan: People who will be there Environment: music, smells, lighting, etc Comfort measures / pain relief - birth ball, shower, tub, squat bar, etc Words to use or to avoid Position for labor/delivery Mirror during delivery Plans for the placenta Newborn procedures: skin to skin, eye drops, vitamin K, Hep B, circumcision, timing of first bath, breast/bottle/both Who is allowed after baby is born and how they will be notified Check out The Baby Manual on Amazon.  It will give you peace of mind when your new baby arrives.   __  Resources discussed in this episode: The Holistic Mamas Handbook is available on Amazon The Baby Manual is also available on Amazon __ Contact Dr. Carole Keim MD Website: CaroleKeim.com Linktree TikTok Instagram   ---FullScriptUse this link to get 10% off and free shipping for orders over $50.HIRO DiapersUse code DRCAROLEKEIM for a discount at checkout. Click here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Get practical ways to support recovery in the first 2 weeks after birth. Learn how to prepare your home for easier access to supplies, early breastfeeding patterns, and what to expect as milk comes in during the first few days. Expect huge emotional changes around day three, including crying and feeling overwhelmed, and discover how to distinguish these from postpartum depression and the rarer postpartum psychosis. Mel also discusses safe sleep, normal newborn care, rest, managing visitors, and common postpartum experiences such as sweating, soreness, fatigue, and intrusive thoughts. Click here to join the podcast mailing list and access the podcast resource folder. Episodes Mentioned: Episode 122 - Getting your baby to sleep This Great Birth Rebellion podcast episode is generously sponsored by my dear friend and birth prep extraordinaire, Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is a doula and hypnobirthing practitioner whose online hypnobirthing course, The Birth Box, has already helped thousands of women get ready for labour by teaching tools to manage intensity, surrender to the ride, and reframe labour as a purposeful pain rather than a harmful one. Poppy is offering Great Birth Rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth Box, which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code Melanie at the checkout to claim your discount. Just go to hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox. You can watch this episode on YouTube here. Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion PodcastJoin the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at www.melaniethemidwife.comJoin the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at www.thegreatbirthrebellion.comFollow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwifeIf this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially by leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast. DisclaimerThe information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it's application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

Getting pregnant again after a C-section comes with unique physical, emotional, and hormonal considerations that many women are never told about. In this episode, we break down what to know about fertility after cesarean birth, scar tissue healing, adhesions, secondary infertility, VBAC considerations, pelvic floor recovery, and the emotional impact a C-section can leave on the body.We discuss how scar tissue and C-section healing may affect implantation, why some women experience difficulty conceiving after a cesarean, and the importance of supporting your core, pelvic floor, nervous system, and microbiome before trying for another baby. We also dive into placenta previa and accreta risks, uterine rupture statistics, spacing pregnancies after C-section, and how trauma can remain stored in the body long after birth.Whether you're preparing to conceive after a cesarean, considering a VBAC, healing from birth trauma, or simply wanting to better understand your body after a C-section, this episode offers both practical guidance and compassionate support.00:00 Trailer & Intro01:43 How C-Sections Can Affect Future Fertility03:52 Scar Tissue & Adhesions Explained05:25 Placenta Previa & Accreta Risks After Cesarean10:25 Antibiotics, Microbiome & Secondary Infertility11:41 Birth Trauma & Nervous System Healing15:25 Body Image, Desire & Emotional Recovery18:54 How Long Should You Wait Before Another Pregnancy?22:46 Pregnancy Spacing, Core Strength & Recovery24:29 Signs Your Scar May Need More Support26:15 Pelvic Floor Therapy & Core Healing29:19 Scar Massage, Gua Sha & Red Light Therapy32:18 Supplements & Nutrients for Scar Healing36:35 Preparing for a VBAC After C-Section38:38 Multiple C-Sections & Birth Decisions43:05 VBAC Statistics & Uterine Rupture Risks49:15 Why Birth Decisions Aren't One-Size-Fits-All50:25 Preconception Support After a C-Section51:30 Encouragement for Your Next Pregnancy JourneyResources From This Episode:Get $10 off Evvy Vaginal Test here!Bloom MethodThrive Physical Therapy (Dr. Lauren Mallari Snyder in San Diego)Restore PT - Sarah Grahm (local in Boise)Treasure Valley Pelvic Health Other Related Episodes:All About VBAC Part 1 EpisodeAll About VBAC Part 2 EpisodeVaginal Bugs and the Essential Role They Play Episode The Secret Fertility Factor No One Talks About EpisodeHome Birth Turned C-Section: Dr. Leah's Birth Story EpisodeDr Leah's Second Birth Story EpisodeDetoxing Before Pregnancy: What Actually Matters (And What Doesn't) EpisodeWhen Sex Hurts: The Root Cause No One Talks About EpisodePreconception: What It Is and Why It Matters EpisodeComing Off Birth Control: What Your Body Needs Before Pregnancy EpisodeBreastfeeding While Trying To Conceive EpisodeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTubeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | InstagramHealthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTokHealthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch StoreFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at EarthleyUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHERUse code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

In many traditional cultures, the weeks following birth are understood as a critical window—one that shapes a mother's long-term health, energy, and emotional well-being. But in the modern world, postpartum care is often rushed, minimized, or overlooked entirely.   In this episode, Christina Eck shares an Ayurvedic perspective on postpartum healing—one rooted in rest, nourishment, and intentional support for the mother. Drawing from both traditional wisdom and her clinical experience, she explains why the body is especially vulnerable after birth, what it truly needs to recover, and how simple, time-honored practices can help restore balance.   Christine discusses the role of warmth, digestion, and nervous system regulation in the postpartum period, along with the importance of hands-on bodywork in helping the body realign and heal. She also addresses the long-term consequences of neglecting this phase—and why many chronic issues women experience later in life can be traced back to an unsupported postpartum recovery. Whether a mother has just given birth or is years beyond it, this conversation offers a powerful reframing of what postpartum care can—and should—look like. WAPF Donation Ad Visit Christine Eck's website to learn more Join the Nourishing Our Children closed Facebook Group Check out our sponsors: Goddess Vitality from Optimal Carnivore - "Discount code WESTON10 for 10% off" and Lumiram - "Discount code WISE for 10% off"

Join host Sarah Marie Bilger as she sits down with Christine Eck, a postpartum doula and Ayurvedic practitioner whose own difficult recovery after her first child propelled her into a life of healing work. Through Christine's story we move from struggle to reclamation, discovering how age‑old practices can turn the postpartum window into a sacred time of restoration. Christine blends personal anecdotes with practical rituals such as warm soups, oil massage, intentional breathwork, and the art of asking for help to show how simple practices can change the trajectory of healing. You'll walk away with tangible ways to prepare your body, build a support net, and honor this powerful transition. Whether you're pregnant, newly postpartum, or simply curious, this episode invites you to slow down, reclaim lost wisdom, and imagine a postpartum that nourishes both you and your family. Find the Full Show Notes Here: https://www.enteringmotherhood.com/episodes Relevant Links: Register for the O.W.N Your Birth Childbirth Education Course 5 ways to prepare for an Unmedicated Birth Download the FREE Comprehensive Birth Vision Planner Hypnobabies is a great tool to use hypnosis when preparing for childbirth. Use the code MOTHERHOOD20 to receive 20% off today! Truly fuel your body with FOND Bone Broth a verified regenerative by land to market company dedicated to serving you rich and handcrafted items. Use code ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 10% off. Looking to become a doula yourself and get into birthwork? Check out the Online Doula Training Program to get started on your path today. Become certified through Postpartum University and help clients learn more about how to nourish their bodies in the postpartum period. Want a baby carrier you can snuggle your baby tight in? Check out LoveHeld for their handwoven ring sling carrier you'll be sure to love. In need of nursing tops and postpartum items? Kindred Bravely is the place to shop for all of your attire needs and more.  Connect with Entering Motherhood: The Entering Motherhood Website @entering.motherhood (IG) Entering Motherhood (FB) Contact us Directly

Send us Fan MailZarah Kravitz is an esteemed Ayurvedic practitioner and yoga teacher currently residing in Southern California. Originally from New Jersey, Zarah moved to New Mexico at a young age and grew up in Santa Fe and Albuquerque before settling in San Diego. She possesses a deep-rooted passion for Ayurveda and yoga, having studied extensively with renowned experts, including Dr. Vasant Lad at The Ayurvedic Institute. Zarah is also an emerging entrepreneur, co-founding Mama Rest—a postpartum nourishment service providing Ayurvedic meals for new mothers. Additionally, Zarah continues to share her passion for yoga and holistic living by teaching yoga classes and offering a specialized cooking course tailored around bioregional and seasonal eating.Visit Zarah: https://www.yogaonstate.com/ayurveda-on-state & on IG https://www.instagram.com/zarahkravitz/Key Takeaways:Integrative Health: Zarah highlights the importance of Ayurveda in creating a holistic health approach, emphasizing the need for understanding one's own body and constitution to promote optimal health.Postpartum Nutrition: Through her venture Mama Rest, Zarah underlines the significance of tailored nutritional support for postpartum mothers using Ayurvedic principles.Ayurveda & Modern Living: She discusses how Ayurveda can be adapted to fit modern lifestyles by promoting seasonal and local food consumption to enhance digestion and overall vitality.Yoga & Spiritual Practice: Zarah shares her journey into yoga, focusing on its transformative power when combined with Ayurveda, and the benefits of community singing practices like Kirtan.

In the postpartum window, healing is often centered around rest and support—but one of the most essential foundations is often overlooked: digestion.In this episode, we sit with Ayurvedic practitioner and postpartum doula Ashlee Sakaishi Wilkin to explore the role of agni—the digestive fire—and why it is central to postpartum recovery.After birth, the body enters a delicate state. Digestion weakens, appetite fluctuates, and the system becomes more vulnerable to imbalance. Through an Ayurvedic lens, this is a time to gently rebuild—using warmth, simplicity, and intentional nourishment.Ashlee shares how tending digestion can support not only physical healing, but also emotional and mental integration during this transformative time. This conversation offers both practical guidance and a deeper understanding of postpartum care as a long-term investment in a mother's health and wellbeing.-In this episode, we explore:The physiological and energetic shifts after birthWhy digestion becomes compromised postpartumThe Ayurvedic concept of agni (digestive fire)Common digestive challenges in the fourth trimesterThe connection between gut health and emotional wellbeingHow to nourish the body with simple, warm, supportive foodsThe importance of meeting families where they are-About the GuestAshlee Sakaishi Wilkin is an Ayurvedic Practitioner, postpartum and birth doula, and educator at the Center for Sacred Window Studies. Her work focuses on nourishing mothers through Ayurvedic cooking, herbal support, and deeply personalized care during the postpartum window.-ResourcesFree Postpartum Cookbook:https://sacredwindowstudies.com/free-cookbook/-Are you feeling the call to know more about Conscious Postpartum Care?Reach out! ⁠Schedule a time with Christine⁠ to find out how this work can transform your care business or provide a meaningful career path.Here is the ⁠link⁠ to our free class@‌sacredwindowstudiesJoin our ⁠Facebook Group⁠Podcast Music is Composed by Sara Emmitt, graduate of the Center for Sacred Window Studies. You can hear more of Sara's incredible music at www.saraemmitt.com.

In this episode of Orgasmica, I sit down with Yasmeen Alshawa to explore the raw, unfiltered truth of motherhood, birth, and the journey back to the body.We talk about her unmedicated birth experience, the reality of postpartum, and how the current systems often fail to truly support mothers. This conversation opens up the layers of birth trauma, the disconnection many women feel after giving life, and the deep process of reclaiming the body, intuition, and pleasure.Motherhood is not just about bringing life into the world — it's a death and rebirth of self.This episode is an invitation to question the narratives we've been given, to honor the wisdom of the body, and to remember that pleasure, even in motherhood, is your birthright.

What actually happens after you give birth… and why does no one properly prepare you for it?In this solo episode of The Balanced Body Podcast, Monika shares a raw, real look into the fourth trimester — the phase after birth that is often overlooked but deeply impacts your hormones, mood, energy, and recovery.From the intense hormone drop that hits just days postpartum, to the emotional shifts, exhaustion, and feeling unlike yourself… this episode breaks down what's actually happening in your body — and what you can do to support it.Monika shares her personal postpartum experience, including what caught her off guard, what helped her recover, and what she would do differently next time. She also dives into the critical role of minerals, digestion, nervous system regulation, circadian rhythm, and how to support your body so you don't feel completely depleted in those early months.If you're pregnant, trying to conceive, or currently postpartum, this episode will help you feel more prepared, more supported, and more in control of your recovery.In this episode, we cover: What really happens to your hormones after birth  Why day 3 postpartum can feel so intense  Why the fourth trimester goes far beyond 6 weeks  How mineral depletion impacts mood, energy, and metabolism  The importance of digestion, bowel movements, and nourishment  How your nervous system affects your baby (and vice versa)  Why protecting your circadian rhythm matters postpartum  What to prioritize for a smoother postpartum recovery This is the conversation every woman should hear before giving birth.Thanks for listening. Please rate & review so we can reach more women with this very important information. Share with a friend whom you know would benefit from listening to The Balanced Body Podcast.Follow your host, Monika Eva, on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/monikaeevaTake my FREE Weight Loss & Energy Blocker Assessment to find out what's blocking you from releasing the weight & being energized here:https://www.monikaeva.com/whatsblockingyouLearn more about working with Monika here:https://www.monikaeva.com

The postpartum period is a major transition that reshapes the body, emotions, and daily life all at once. Julia Cormano, MD, FACOG presents a clear overview of recovery after delivery, explaining common physical changes, expected discomforts, and practical ways to support healing. Cormano emphasizes that experiences vary, and that understanding what is typical can reduce stress and help families feel more prepared. She highlights core areas of postpartum care, including bleeding, pain management, infant feeding, rest, and emotional well-being, while reinforcing the value of early support from loved ones and care teams. Cormano also distinguishes temporary emotional ups and downs from more serious mood concerns that need prompt attention, noting that early recognition and treatment improve outcomes for both parent and baby. Wherever you are in your postpartum journey, this guidance offers a supportive starting point to help you move forward with greater confidence and care. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41049]

The postpartum period is a major transition that reshapes the body, emotions, and daily life all at once. Julia Cormano, MD, FACOG presents a clear overview of recovery after delivery, explaining common physical changes, expected discomforts, and practical ways to support healing. Cormano emphasizes that experiences vary, and that understanding what is typical can reduce stress and help families feel more prepared. She highlights core areas of postpartum care, including bleeding, pain management, infant feeding, rest, and emotional well-being, while reinforcing the value of early support from loved ones and care teams. Cormano also distinguishes temporary emotional ups and downs from more serious mood concerns that need prompt attention, noting that early recognition and treatment improve outcomes for both parent and baby. Wherever you are in your postpartum journey, this guidance offers a supportive starting point to help you move forward with greater confidence and care. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41049]

The postpartum period is a major transition that reshapes the body, emotions, and daily life all at once. Julia Cormano, MD, FACOG presents a clear overview of recovery after delivery, explaining common physical changes, expected discomforts, and practical ways to support healing. Cormano emphasizes that experiences vary, and that understanding what is typical can reduce stress and help families feel more prepared. She highlights core areas of postpartum care, including bleeding, pain management, infant feeding, rest, and emotional well-being, while reinforcing the value of early support from loved ones and care teams. Cormano also distinguishes temporary emotional ups and downs from more serious mood concerns that need prompt attention, noting that early recognition and treatment improve outcomes for both parent and baby. Wherever you are in your postpartum journey, this guidance offers a supportive starting point to help you move forward with greater confidence and care. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41049]

The postpartum period is a major transition that reshapes the body, emotions, and daily life all at once. Julia Cormano, MD, FACOG presents a clear overview of recovery after delivery, explaining common physical changes, expected discomforts, and practical ways to support healing. Cormano emphasizes that experiences vary, and that understanding what is typical can reduce stress and help families feel more prepared. She highlights core areas of postpartum care, including bleeding, pain management, infant feeding, rest, and emotional well-being, while reinforcing the value of early support from loved ones and care teams. Cormano also distinguishes temporary emotional ups and downs from more serious mood concerns that need prompt attention, noting that early recognition and treatment improve outcomes for both parent and baby. Wherever you are in your postpartum journey, this guidance offers a supportive starting point to help you move forward with greater confidence and care. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41049]

The postpartum period is a major transition that reshapes the body, emotions, and daily life all at once. Julia Cormano, MD, FACOG presents a clear overview of recovery after delivery, explaining common physical changes, expected discomforts, and practical ways to support healing. Cormano emphasizes that experiences vary, and that understanding what is typical can reduce stress and help families feel more prepared. She highlights core areas of postpartum care, including bleeding, pain management, infant feeding, rest, and emotional well-being, while reinforcing the value of early support from loved ones and care teams. Cormano also distinguishes temporary emotional ups and downs from more serious mood concerns that need prompt attention, noting that early recognition and treatment improve outcomes for both parent and baby. Wherever you are in your postpartum journey, this guidance offers a supportive starting point to help you move forward with greater confidence and care. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41049]

The postpartum period is a major transition that reshapes the body, emotions, and daily life all at once. Julia Cormano, MD, FACOG presents a clear overview of recovery after delivery, explaining common physical changes, expected discomforts, and practical ways to support healing. Cormano emphasizes that experiences vary, and that understanding what is typical can reduce stress and help families feel more prepared. She highlights core areas of postpartum care, including bleeding, pain management, infant feeding, rest, and emotional well-being, while reinforcing the value of early support from loved ones and care teams. Cormano also distinguishes temporary emotional ups and downs from more serious mood concerns that need prompt attention, noting that early recognition and treatment improve outcomes for both parent and baby. Wherever you are in your postpartum journey, this guidance offers a supportive starting point to help you move forward with greater confidence and care. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41049]

The postpartum period is a major transition that reshapes the body, emotions, and daily life all at once. Julia Cormano, MD, FACOG presents a clear overview of recovery after delivery, explaining common physical changes, expected discomforts, and practical ways to support healing. Cormano emphasizes that experiences vary, and that understanding what is typical can reduce stress and help families feel more prepared. She highlights core areas of postpartum care, including bleeding, pain management, infant feeding, rest, and emotional well-being, while reinforcing the value of early support from loved ones and care teams. Cormano also distinguishes temporary emotional ups and downs from more serious mood concerns that need prompt attention, noting that early recognition and treatment improve outcomes for both parent and baby. Wherever you are in your postpartum journey, this guidance offers a supportive starting point to help you move forward with greater confidence and care. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41049]

In this honest life update episode, we're sharing what motherhood looks like for us right now... the wins, the challenges, and the very real in-between.We talk about rebuilding strength after a C-section, navigating toddler chaos and overstimulation, how sleep deprivation affects everything, and why routines can feel life-giving in certain seasons of motherhood. We also open up about feeling baby kicks during pregnancy, the emotional weight of the mental load, waking up at 5 a.m., hormone-supportive habits, and the financial pressure that can come with running a business while raising a family.This episode is candid, relatable, and full of those real mom moments that often go unspoken. If you're in a season of trying to hold it all together while also finding your way back to yourself, this one will feel like a conversation with friends who get it.In this episode, we cover:Rebuilding strength and reconnecting with your body after a C-sectionThe emotional and physical impact of postpartum sleep deprivationToddler chaos and the reality of parenting multiple kidsThe invisible mental load many mothers carry every dayWhy routines can actually create more freedom, creativity, and flowThe transition out of the postpartum season and back into personal rhythmsNavigating motherhood while growing and supporting a businessThe financial and emotional pressures of entrepreneurship during family lifeThe beauty of sharing both the wins and the challenges of motherhoodWhy real conversations about motherhood matter more than perfection online00:00 Intro01:33 Life updates02:14 Toddler chaos and the destruction phase07:49 Reflecting on postpartum while caring for other children12:33 Why sleep deprivation is so hard in motherhood13:35 Trying to stay organized as a mom (and why chaos still happens)21:39 The small parenting struggles that add up31:00 The Skylight calendar and organizing family life39:24 Getting back into exercise after a C-section44:30 Getting back into routine and finding rhythm again54:45 The pressure for business to grow financially1:00:00 Money as the next personal growth frontier1:03:51 Why sharing life updates matters1:07:19 OutroResources Mentioned:Uplift Workout Program: Use code DRLEAH0770 for $20 off Dow Janes Financial ProgramFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HAAM and save 10% at FondUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

If you've ever felt like your body is fighting you no matter how “perfect” your nutrition or workouts are, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Today, I'm sitting down with Soraya Rufener, one of our coaches at Vital Spark, to share the story behind the safety, trust, and results her clients feel from day one. Soraya isn't just highly credentialed as a registered nurse and functional health coach. She's lived through chronic dieting, body distrust, and the exhausting pressure to always “do more.” She started dieting at 13, spent years stuck in restriction cycles, and did everything diet culture promised would work. And yet, nothing was actually healing.In this conversation, we unpack why willpower wasn't the problem, how postpartum healing changed everything, and what rebuilding a body really requires physically, mentally, and emotionally. Soraya shares the moment she stopped punishing her body and learned how to support it instead. We talk about why healing is layered, why consistency matters more than intensity, and how nervous system safety changes outcomes. She also opens up about how her lived experience reshaped the way she coaches postpartum moms and high-achieving women today. Most importantly, we explore what she refuses to repeat from diet culture—and why coaching women differently matters. If you're exhausted, frustrated, or quietly wondering why nothing seems to work anymore, this episode will remind you that you're not broken.You're unsupported. Time Stamps: (1:17) Our Incredible Coach Soraya (6:02) Early Teen Soraya (9:17) Finding Bodybuilding (15:02) The Food Noise (17:09) Shifting To The Healing Phase (19:55) The Mental Side of Healing (22:47) 3 Kids In 4 Years and The Postpartum Journey (31:23) Our Bodies Aren't The Enemy (34:15) Where To Find Soraya---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

The postpartum period isn't just about the mother—it's a critical window where partner support can make or break recovery. In this episode, I'm joined by Eric Stein to talk about the essential role men play after birth, why so many partners want to help but don't know how, and how others underestimate their responsibility altogether. We unpack how intentional nourishment, rest, and a strong support system can radically change the postpartum experience. This conversation is a must-listen for any family wanting a calmer, more supported fourth trimester. Click HERE to access the show notes for this episode or to learn more about Eric, he and his wife's business collaboration and where you can find all things Restorative Roots. 

In this episode of The MamasteFit Podcast, hosts Gina, a perinatal fitness trainer and birth doula, and Hayley Kava, our in-house pelvic floor PT, dive deep into the topic of diastasis recti. They explore the common fears and misconceptions associated with diastasis recti during and after pregnancy. The conversation covers the natural occurrence of abdominal muscle separation, the importance of breathing mechanics, and functional exercises for postpartum recovery. Hayley also emphasizes the collaborative care model and addresses questions about exercise safety with diastasis. This episode aims to empower listeners by debunking myths and providing practical advice for navigating diastasis recti confidently.Coning Workout: https://youtu.be/Nz2craPkea8Healing DRA Workout: https://youtu.be/DVzD6-kLUAA Check out Hayley's pay-what-you-can pelvic balance series!: https://www.hayleykavapt.com/PelvicbalanceseriesFor more workouts, check out our collection of fitness programs: https://mamastefit.com/fitness-programs/00:00 Introduction to The MamasteFit Podcast00:14 Understanding Diastasis Recti00:49 Meet the Hosts and Guest01:44 Collaborative Care at Mama Safe Fit02:03 Breaking Down Diastasis Recti02:39 Normal vs. Abnormal Diastasis03:04 Exercises and Approaches to Diastasis03:19 What is Diastasis Recti?05:04 Diastasis in Pregnancy and Postpartum06:14 Coning and Its Implications11:34 Postpartum Healing and Diastasis12:28 Factors Affecting Diastasis Healing14:07 Body Image and Diastasis16:41 Diastasis and Prolapse19:43 Approaches to Diastasis Rehab26:26 Rib Flare and Exercise Misconceptions26:58 Personal Experience with Rib Flare28:33 Postpartum Breathing Techniques29:50 Thoracic Mobility and Core Connection31:02 Integrating Core Exercises Postpartum32:28 Advancing Postpartum Exercises34:43 Overcoming Fear in Postpartum Fitness41:32 Understanding Diastasis Recti44:46 Final Thoughts and Resources————Get Your Copy of Training for Two on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VOTdwH

Episode Highlights With LeediaThe incredible links between the oral cavity and the womb, from physical to energeticWhy this connection is so strong and what to know about itHer own story with oral health during pregnancy and how it led to her researchOver 65-70% go through reversible dental issues in pregnancyVaginal tissue and oral tissue are very similar tissues with quick cell turnover and progesterone and estrogen receptorsHow relaxin affects oral healthWhy tooth movement can occur during or after pregnancyThe link between periodontal disease and prenatal risks and poor birth outcomesWhat we can do before, during, and after pregnancy to protect oral healthAll of this actually starts in puberty Your oral microbiome is responsible for 60-70% of your gut microbiome, and that gets passed on to babySugar isn't the biggest problem for oral health. Acidity is a big problem and how to find the balanceResources MentionedDr Leedia's website and her InstagramNutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. PriceCopper tongue scraper

Today's episode is brought to you by Masterclass.Sign up for Masterclass here: https://masterclass.pxf.io/LKvJZZIn today's episode, I'm sharing part two of my postpartum healing journey.In this episode, I share:The physical and emotional toll of postpartum recovery after a painful pregnancyHow I navigated prenatal depression, weight changes, and limited mobilityThe fitness and rehab routines that slowly helped me walk againWhy self-care and support — especially a summer with family — made all the differenceHow I'm using meditation to support my mental and emotional healingWhat it looks like to balance motherhood and self-growthso much moreIf you're in a season of rebuilding, this one's for you. You're not alone — and healing is possible.Connect with Lauren:InstagramWork With MeThank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today's episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you.I'm so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness!This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Send us a textLet's expose the standard advice that is making new mothers miserable: the push for high-fiber, raw fruits and vegetables immediately postpartum. It sounds healthy, but it's the root cause of crippling postpartum bloating, gas, and poor nutrient absorption!Get ready for a physiological truth: the postpartum digestive system is temporarily compromised. Loading it with complex plant matter is sabotage. You'll uncover the ancient wisdom of traditional cultures (Chinese, Ayurvedic) that prioritized warm, cooked, easily digestible foods for thousands of years. This episode is your guide to strategic postpartum nutrition that maximizes healing and finally ends the cycle of depletion and discomfort.Check out this episode on the blog HERE. Key time stamps: 02:50: Why the postpartum digestive system is temporarily compromised.04:05: The body prioritizes critical healing over complex digestion. 05:40: Traditional cultures prioritize warm, cooked, easily digestible foods. 07:15: Why cold, raw foods dampen the digestive "fire." 08:20: The flaw in modern nutrition: ignoring digestibility and absorption. 08:50: Fiber requires significant digestive capacity the postpartum body lacks. 10:10: How high-fiber foods cause bloating, gas, and inflammation in a compromised gut. 11:00: Raw vegetables are problematic: they require high energy and are "cooling." 12:50: The benefits of cooking: increased nutrient bioavailability and reduced anti-nutrients. 13:30: The real causes of postpartum constipation (hormones, fear, magnesium deficiency). 14:55: How high fiber impairs nutrient absorption (binding effect) for depleted mothers. 16:00: The correct progression: simple/cooked → complex/raw. 17:00: Immediate relief: Switching to cooked, warm food resolves bloating in days. 17:55: The importance of respecting digestive capacity and natural progression.NEXT STEPS:

Our newborn was starving, turns out I wasn't eating enough. Going from one to two kids is not what you expect, and in this episode of the Savage Perspective Podcast, we share the raw truth about the fourth trimester, postpartum healing, and surviving the chaotic first weeks with a newborn and a toddler.In episode 837, host Robert Sikes is joined by his wife, Crystal Sikes, to discuss the brutal realities of postpartum recovery, the shocking challenge of feeding a constantly crying baby, and the struggles of getting back into training after birth. This is an unfiltered look into the difficult but rewarding journey of parenting two young children.If you are ready to build a strong body to lead your family well, join Robert's FREE Bodybuilding Masterclass to learn the essential principles of effective training and nutrition. Sign up here: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQChapters:0:00 - What Is The Fourth Trimester & Why Is It So Hard? 1:01 - The Shock of Going From One to Two Kids (1+1=10) 5:22 - Why Our Newborn Cried For 9 Weeks Straight 9:25 - The Critical Mistake That Left Our Baby Starving 15:12 - How To Start Training After Giving Birth 23:05 - How A Toddler Acts When A New Baby Arrives 28:37 - The Brutal Reality of Postpartum Healing 34:00 - Why I Quit Social Media As A New Mom 40:50 - Our Next Big Family Goal: Babies & Pigs

Curious whether red light therapy is actually legit—or just another wellness trend? In Episode 30, Allison interviews pelvic health physiotherapist Liz Frey, Director of Women's Health at Fringe, to explore the real science behind red and near-infrared light and how it may support pelvic floor function, postpartum recovery, perimenopause/menopause symptoms, pain, inflammation, and overall tissue health.We discuss how light therapy influences nitric oxide production, ATP and mitochondrial energy, circulation, collagen and elastin, and why vibration can help improve pelvic floor activation. Liz also explains blue light therapy for recurrent BV and yeast infections, plus practical tips for choosing between a wand, wrap, or panel.Limited-Time Sale (Nov 24–30): Save 25% off all Fringe red light products with code AllisonC25. Affiliate link: https://fringeheals.com/?ref=ALLISONECRAIG After Nov 30: save 10% anytime with AllisonC10.Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no extra cost to you.

Send us a textWhat if the very foundation of modern care—science alone—is the problem?You see the stats: mothers are drowning in postpartum depression, crippling anxiety, and mysterious autoimmune flare-ups. You're doing the screenings, you're following the standard protocols, but the lasting solutions are elusive. What if the very foundation of modern care—science alone—is the problem? Maranda dives into the six critical limitations of medical science that are actively harming mothers in the fourth trimester. This isn't anti-science; it's a call for a more honest, holistic postpartum health model. This episode exposes the six critical limitations of medical care actively harming the fourth trimester. We break down why relying on RCTs ignores millennia of successful traditional postpartum practices. Discover the Three Pillars of Knowledge for root-cause resolution in perinatal mental health and move beyond symptom managementCheck out the episode on the blog HERE: https://postpartumu.com/podcast/the-6-critical-blind-spots-of-science-that-are-harming-postpartum-moms-ep-242/Key time stamps: 04:15: Miranda's personal story: Dismissed with Zoloft, actually had thyroid dysfunction, gut infection, and severe nutrient deficiencies.09:05: The Three Pillars of Postpartum Knowledge: Science, Women's Stories, and Traditional Practices.11:47: Limitation #1: Science is money-driven and prioritizes patentable solutions over holistic postpartum practices.16:30: Limitation #3: Dismissing millennia of traditional care (like warm, cooked foods) as mere anecdotal evidence.21:20: Limitation #4: Doctors are taught pathology, not how the body actually heals, leading to a focus on pieces instead of the whole.26:38: Limitation #5: The male bias in research and leadership and why women were historically excluded from clinical trials.31:45: Limitation #6: Time lag in policy change—it takes 10-15 years for new evidence to become standard practice.34:23: Clinical Example: Client with "medication-resistant PPD" actually had Hashimoto's and severe B12/Ferritin deficiency.36:50: Call to Action: Believe your client, investigate beyond basic labs, and hold providers accountable for outdated care.40:17: Final thought: Science alone is not enough; we need all three pillars for comprehensive, root-cause postpartum support. NEXT STEPS:

This week, Elizabeth welcomes Alysa Seeland, founder and CEO of FOND, a company reimagining bone broth as a modern wellness essential. After a difficult postpartum health journey, Alysa discovered the healing power of bone broth and turned her kitchen experiment into a thriving regenerative brand. They talk about turning pain into purpose, sourcing with integrity, and what it takes to build a values-driven company while raising a family of six. Elizabeth and Alysa also dive into the benefits of bone broth, regenerative farming, and how to bring more nourishment into everyday life.Use code PURELY for 15% off sitewide at fondregenerative.com/purely. Episodes Here Alysa: FOND - Use code PURELY for 15% off sitewide at fondregenerative.com/purely. Say Hi To Elizabeth and Purely Elizabeth: Website | InstagramMentioned:  Nourishing Traditions

Send us a textLet's be real: telling a terrified mom that her horrific intrusive thoughts are "normal" is only half the story, and it's not good enough.This episode is your new essential guide. We're cutting past the surface talk about "scary thoughts" and diving deep into the neuroscience of what's actually going on. Your client's brain is doing a brilliant, protective job being hypervigilant, but then sleep deprivation, nutritional depletion, and chronic stress turn that protection into a panic spiral. We explain exactly how to spot the difference between a normal thought and pathological Postpartum OCD and, most importantly, how to offer root-cause solutions that stop the nervous system from fueling those terrifying images. If you want to move beyond just screening and genuinely help your clients heal, you need to hear this.Check out the episode on the blog HEREKey time stamps: 1:03  Naming the Unspeakable: What Do Postpartum Intrusive Thoughts Really Look Like?2:34  Why Telling a Mom "It's Normal" Simply Isn't Enough (and Why It's Harmful).5:57 Maternal Brain Plasticity 101: How Evolution Made the Postpartum Brain Brilliant.8:18  Hypervigilance, Sympathetic Dominance, and The Postpartum Energy Debt.10:58  The Spiral: When a Protective Thought Leads to Pathological Anxiety.14:25 Root Causes Driving Postpartum Nervous System Dysregulation.17:54 Case Study: Resolving Severe Nighttime Intrusive Thoughts with Nutrition (Ferritin & Labs).20:22 Case Study: Feeding Anxiety, Blood Sugar Crashes, and Adrenal Support.22:09 The Critical Distinction: Intrusive Thoughts vs. Postpartum OCD (P-OCD).25:12 The Whole-Person Assessment Framework for Intrusive Thoughts.27:08  Layered Interventions That Work: Regulation, Foundations, Trauma, and Support.29:27 Common Provider Mistakes: Minimizing, Catastrophizing, and Isolating Symptoms.32:17  Intrusive (Ego-Dystonic) Vs. Psychotic (Ego-Syntonic) Thoughts: Why This Distinction is Life-Saving.35:17  Partner Education: Helping Support People Provide Help, Not Judgment.37:47  Building Resilience, Not Symptom Suppression: Long-Term Nervous System Health. NEXT STEPS:

Postpartum recovery brings unique challenges and Elana opens up about the real-life adjustments of being a mom of four while nourishing a newborn. In this episode, she shares how she balances sleep deprivation, homeschooling and work while protecting her energy and finding joy in the newborn season. You'll also hear her top tips for creating an empowered birth and recovery experience that leaves you feeling strong and supported. This is Part 2 of a two-part series. Be sure to also listen to Episode 382 - Part 1 to hear Elana's full birth story and the mindset lessons that set the stage for her postpartum journey. Topics Covered In This Episode: Navigating postpartum recovery with multiple kids Protecting your energy and avoiding depletion Balancing work, homeschool, and newborn life Top tips for an empowered birth experience How mindset shapes postpartum healing Show Notes: Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell's Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child's number one health advocate! Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD's online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood. Listen to today's episode on our website This Episode's Sponsors  Enjoy the health benefits of PaleoValley's products such as their supplements, superfood bars and meat sticks.  Receive 15% off your purchase by heading to paleovalley.com/doctormom  Discover for yourself why Needed is trusted by women's health practitioners and mamas alike to support optimal pregnancy outcomes. Try their 4 Part Complete Nutrition plan which includes a Prenatal Multi, Omega-3, Collagen Protein, and Pre/Probiotic. To get started, head to thisisneeded.com, and use code DOCTORMOM20 for 20% off Needed's Complete Plan! Active Skin Repair is a must-have for everyone to keep themselves and their families healthy and clean.  Keep a bottle in the car to spray your face after removing your mask, a bottle in your medicine cabinet to replace your toxic first aid products, and one in your outdoor pack for whatever life throws at you.  Use code DOCTORMOM to receive 20% off your order + free shipping (with $35 minimum purchase). Visit BLDGActive.com to order. INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can't wait to meet you! @stephgreunke @drelanaroumell Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.

Ep 159 Description:    The body knows sensations beyond suffering, and sometimes, liberation comes from the most unexpected tools.  The Fin PleasureVibe is a waterproof, medical-grade silicone finger vibrator designed specifically to support comfort and pleasure during pregnancy and childbirth. Its innovative design offers five vibration settings, allowing individuals to explore pain relief and sensory empowerment during labor. Tune in as Debra explores how self-pleasure can reduce pain, boost oxytocin, enhance labor progress, support postpartum healing, and transform the birthing experience from a medical event to a deeply personal, empowering journey of connection and pleasure.   Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471    Episode Highlights: 03:57 The Power Of Pleasure In Pregnancy 05:54 Pleasure As Pain Relife In Labor 08:30 Oxytocin, Pleasure & Labor Progress 11:06 Breaking The Stigma: Pleasure In The Birth Space 18:55 Practical Tips For Using The Fin PleasureVibe In Birth & Beyond 21:17 Healing and Empowerment in Birth   Resources: 

Send us a textThe truth about postpartum nutrition goes way beyond kale smoothies and multivitamins. For too long, women's healthcare has failed mothers, leaving them to seek answers from online influencers and fads. But as a provider, you're ready to do more.This is a deep dive into the five interconnected sciences that truly shape a mother's healing journey. We're getting to the heart of what's missing in modern care—looking beyond recipes to the deep biological, emotional, and cultural forces that determine a mother's recovery. This is a blueprint for a new standard of holistic postpartum care that empowers you to offer a deeper, more effective kind of support that honors a mother's whole being.Check out the episode on the blog HERE: https://postpartumu.com/podcast/the-5-sciences-of-postpartum-nutrition-its-not-just-nutrition-ep-234/Key time stamps: 0:02 Why the current postpartum care system is failing.1:50 The myth that postpartum nutrition is just about healthy eating.2:53 A mother's body is regenerating and recalibrating, not just recovering.4:31 Science 1: Nutritional Biochemistry and cellular-level healing.9:26 Science 2: Neuroscience, explaining the profound reorganization of the maternal brain.12:52 Science 3: Anthropology, the cultural and ancestral roots of postpartum care.15:31 Science 4: Chronobiology, showing why male-based science fails postpartum women.17:57 Why postpartum healing is cyclical, not linear.19:55 Integrating all five sciences for truly holistic care.23:25 The free resource for providers: the Postpartum Restoration Method Assessment Tool. NEXT STEPS:

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, we are joined by Angel, who shares her powerful story of birth, near-death, and healing after a rare and life-threatening complication: uterine inversion.Angel describes how her labor started smoothly and seemed “perfect" until the unexpected happened. What followed was a cascade of emergencies, including massive blood loss, emergency surgery, a hysterectomy, and days in critical care. Angel walks us through the terrifying moments of saying goodbye to her husband, the prayers she whispered before surgery, and the relief of waking up alive.But her story doesn't end at survival. Angel opens up about the aftermath, the postpartum depression she never expected, the shame of feeling broken despite being grateful, and the ongoing work of therapy, community, and healing.In this episode, Angel shares:

Welcome to The Functional Alignment Show hosted by myself, Dr. Abby Lee Borkowski (@dr.abbylee) where I practice Functional Medicine at Thrive Medical WNY (https://www.thrivemedicalwny.com) . In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Schaab who has her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and is recently certified in Mercier Therapy. We discuss all things reproductive health, such as:-Mercier Therapy / Pelvic Floor Therapy-Cycle Health / Testing Options-Pre-conception health and postpartum healing-Ashley's experience with motherhood-Male and female fertility wellness advice-and more!Ashley Schaab, DPT: Instagram @a_la_pelvisLink : https://www.alapelvis.comQueen of The Thrones Castor Oil: https://queenofthethrones.com/collections/shop-all use code DRABBYLEE for 10% off at checkoutInterested in functional lab work but have questions? Book a free 15 minute discovery call with me using this link: https://thrivemedicalwny.janeapp.com/#/discipline/24/treatment/14

Send us a texthttps://www.mindfully-moody.com/After seven months away, Sara returns to Mindfully Moody to share the raw and real story of her pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. This heartfelt conversation explores the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy, the challenges of navigating expectations versus reality, and the power of following your intuition as a new mom.In this episode, Hannah and Sara dive into:

On today's episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, I'm joined by Brooke Harmer (@thewellnourishedmama_), the founder of The Well Nourished Mama, a nutritionist and postpartum health expert who supports women through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Brooke's journey began as a food blogger helping college students eat well on a budget, but after becoming a mother herself, she shifted her focus to helping women heal nutritionally after birth and prepare their bodies for future pregnancies. In this conversation, we explore how pregnancy, birth, and postpartum dramatically shift a woman's biochemistry, gut microbiome, and hormonal balance, and why many women facing secondary infertility are actually experiencing a deep nutritional depletion. Brooke shares the foundational habits and healing foods that help rebuild nutrient stores and support fertility, whether it's your first or third time trying to conceive. From bone broth and Brazil nuts to the power of minerals and full-fat dairy, this episode is packed with essential advice for replenishing the body and preparing for a thriving pregnancy.

Aleiela Allen is a birth and postpartum doula, and the founder of ⁠Leilove - ⁠providing care services which blend ancient wisdom with modern care, offering education for both mother and partner, birthing doula support, nourishing postpartum treatments like Abhyanga, healing belly binds, and curated meal deliveries.  Tune in to learn more about Aleiela's daughter's birth and how she found this sacred work, as well as more information on Abhyanga, belly binding and healing foods! IG: ⁠@lei__love⁠ ⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠Facebook Leilove⁠ _________________________ ___________________________ GROWING WITH GARRETT NOW LIVE - watch below ⁠⁠www.informedpregnancy.tv⁠⁠ Code: GK30 ___________________________ Need The Nipple Diaper now? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop on Amazon today!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kozekozemama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kozekozemama ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@garretnwood⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SHOP with 20% off, use THANKYOU20 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.kozekoze.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email Garrett: garrettkusmierz@kozekoze.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Sacred Window Podcast, host Christine Devlin Eck welcomes Andrea Luzitano to discuss her journey as a postpartum doula and the keys to her successful practice. Andrea shares how she shifted from offering basic care to providing a more holistic set of services, including cooking, bodywork, and Ayurvedic mother care. She emphasizes that her business, Upon Arrival Doula, grew significantly by turning conversations into clients through authentic community engagement, such as participating in local mom groups and early childhood festivals. Andrea advises other aspiring doulas to leverage their unique strengths and focus on building genuine connections to grow their businesses organically.Guest:Andrea Luzitano, owner of Upon Arrival Doula Care on the South Shore, MassachusettsProfessional Postpartum Caregiver | Upon Arrival Doula | MassachusettsBio:I'm Andrea, mother of 4 and postpartum caregiver since 2019. Nice to meet you! As a certified Ayurvedic and holistic postpartum caregiver, I take a worldly, natural approach to the postpartum period to help my clients slow down and focus on the ancient and intuitive aspects of maternal care after childbirth.​I'm here to help nurture, nourish, and restore your body, mind, and home to create your very own peaceful postpartum!Upon Arrival's postpartum support services include:Meal & Snack Prep for Postpartum Healing ("Food as Medicine")Bodywork for relaxationSoothing Yoga Nidra exercisesTransition into Motherhood: Closing of the Bones CeremonyHonor Your Birth Story: Labyrinth Drawing and MeditationBirth-Inspired Process Art SessionsIntuitive Sleep CoachingBellybindingMother Blessing FacilitationFloral Baths or Foot SoaksHerbal RemediesLactation GuidanceEmotional SupportLight HouseworkTime for RestEvidence-Based Newborn Care SupportLocal Postpartum Care Resources& More!Reiki coming soon! Stay tuned!Get a Free Postpartum Planning Template by visiting Andrea's homepage.She is also available via email to connect! andrea.uponarrivaldoula@gmail.comAre you feeling the call to know more about Conscious Postpartum Care?Reach out! ⁠Schedule a time with Christine⁠ to find out how this work can transform your care business or provide a meaningful career path.Here is the ⁠link⁠ to our free class@‌sacredwindowstudiesJoin our ⁠Facebook Group⁠Podcast Music is Composed by Sara Emmitt, graduate of the Center for Sacred Window Studies. You can hear more of Sara's incredible music at Sara Emmitt .

In this episode, I'm joined by Ash Anderson, mother of three and recent graduate of The MatriBirth Mentor Institute. After a traumatic induction with her first baby, Ash was certain she was done having children. But what she came to realize was that it wasn't birth she was finished with—it was the hospital.We unpack what it took for Ash to walk away from the industrial model of care, how she and her husband navigated the residual fear from her first birth, and why healing her relationship with motherhood was a necessary precursor to welcoming another baby.From being coerced into interventions to catching her third baby alone in a moment of pure presence, Ash offers a grounded and powerful testimony to the transformation that becomes possible when a woman chooses trust, sovereignty, and self-responsibility.You'll Learn:Why “just in case” inductions increase trauma and strip women of autonomyHow hospital birth plans are powerless against coercive systemsWhat subtle manipulation in late pregnancy says about industrial birth prioritiesWhy even “holistic” midwives still operate within controlling paradigmsHow freebirth dissolves fear and restores deep body-trustWhy preparing for postpartum is a radical act of self-respectHow birth witnessed by children shapes the future of womanhoodWhat it means to birth alone and discover your strength, resilience, and sovereigntyThis episode is a reminder that birth doesn't have to be micromanaged, feared, or medicalized. It can be simple. It can be sacred. It can be yours if you choose it.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[02:11] Realizing the hospital birth system wasn't aligned with her values[14:16] Traumatic induction and vow to never birth that way again[19:39] Perspective shift on motherhood and discovering freebirth[32:52] Her first transformative experiencing freebirthing at home[50:04] Unexpected second freebirth completely alone[58:10] Breaking birth narratives and giving her children a new storyIf you want to connect more with Ash, follow her on Instagram and check out her website.Find more from Emilee on Instagram, YouTube and the Free Birth Society website.Disclaimer: Free Birth Society, LLC of North Carolina shares personal and educational stories and experiences related to freebirth and holistic care. This content is not medical advice, and we are not a licensed midwifery practice. Testimonials reflect individual experiences; results may vary. For services or scheduling, contact info@freebirthsociety.com. See full disclaimer at freebirthsociety.com/youtubeterms.

No one told me that postpartum recovery isn't just about “getting back to normal.” It's about rebuilding from the inside out, pelvic floor, core, energy, mindset, and that what you do (and don't do) in those early days matters more than you think.That's why I brought Dr. Jessica London, pelvic floor therapist and mama's best friend in recovery, on the podcast to walk you through exactly what's happening in your body and how to move forward, without overdoing it. (And she was kind enough to share her Core Recovery Guide with our community!) Postpartum healing is deeply connected to how you move, rest, and nourish yourself right now. Pushing too hard can set you back, but intentional movement, pelvic floor awareness, and smart recovery practices can actually make you stronger than before. Whether you're 2 days, 2 months, or 2 years postpartum, this episode gives you a roadmap for recovery that lasts.Show Notes Here!Where to Find Jessica: Instagram Website PodcastLinks Mentioned:Episode #275 - Pelvic Floor 101: What Every New Mom Needs to Know with Dr. Jessica LondonThe Core Recovery Guide My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH!

Lisa Chatham has spent her career in the been in food concept design and product development where sh maintained a devotion to creating an intersection of Sustenance + Pleasure. Tune in to learn about how a trip to India changed her relationship with food, and her inspiration for postpartum healing. Cookma is designed for modern lifestyles while founded in traditional wisdom. Their products are designed to bring optimal nourishment and pleasure with minimal effort. Cookma offers sophisticated and simple one-pot meals and superpowered snacks that support a healthy diet that is reliably satisfying and comforting. Shop Cookma today! IG: @cookma.co ___________________________ GROWING WITH GARRETT NOW LIVE - watch below ⁠www.informedpregnancy.tv⁠ Code: GK30 ___________________________ Need The Nipple Diaper now? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop on Amazon today!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kozekozemama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kozekozemama ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@garretnwood⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SHOP with 20% off, use THANKYOU20 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.kozekoze.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email Garrett: garrettkusmierz@kozekoze.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode of Pelvic Floor, Core & More, we're diving into the sneaky, normalized postpartum patterns that silently sabotage healing — and no, I'm not talking about exercise. From holding your breath while lifting the car seat to collapsing into your core while feeding your baby, these everyday habits are creating pressure, disconnection, and pain in your pelvic floor and core system. We'll unpack: What's really causing your symptoms to linger (even when you're trying to heal) How breath, posture, and nervous system regulation play a bigger role than crunches ever could Small, doable shifts that make a huge impact in your daily healing And if you've been told “this is just how it is after baby,” this is your permission slip to say no more. You'll learn: ✨ The 5 most common habits that stall postpartum healing ✨ How to stop unintentionally making your symptoms worse ✨ What your body is trying to tell you — and how to listen gently ✨ Real-life tools for breathing, softening, and creating safety in your core Resources Mentioned:

Send us a textEver wonder why your postpartum clients feel like they're in a fog, forgetful, or just plain different? It's not just "mom brain" as we know it. In this eye-opening episode, we're completely shifting the conventional understanding of the postpartum brain and diving deep into the profound neurological rewiring that happens after birth. Forget surface-level fixes; we're talking about real, lasting solutions for postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and maternal burnout by understanding the biological brilliance behind a mother's transformation. This isn't about "fixing" women; it's about seeing their bodies and brains with the reverence they deserve, and equipping postpartum providers with the holistic care practices to truly heal their clients at the root.Check out this episode on the blog HERE. Key time stamps: 0:48: Postpartum brain is rewiring, not broken. 3:23: What happens to the brain in postpartum? Neurological transformation explained. 4:25: Increased diligence, heightened emotional sensitivity, disrupted memory & focus, decreased self-prioritization.5:30: Biologically appropriate functions without proper support lead to burnout, anxiety, rage. 6:46: The role of stress in brain rewiring – adaptive vs. chronic. Chronic stress creates maladaptive programming. 10:40: Mom brains prioritize survival and baby's needs, not broken. 11:29: Oxytocin strengthens memory of emotionally charged events. 12:24: Understanding intrusive thoughts: protection, not pathology. 15:28: How to support postpartum brain recovery: nutrition, nervous system regulation, repletion. 16:05: Why holistic approaches are crucial and why single strategies fail. 17:44: Body-based trauma release techniques like TRE therapy. 18:11: The importance of safe co-regulating relationships. 19:59: Consistent nutritional repletion is biochemical reality. 20:25: Sleep rhythm and restoration for active brain repair. 24:08: Reclaim mom brain: it's a superpower, not a problem. Postpartum rewiring makes mothers more intuitive, protective, efficient. NEXT STEPS:

Carson Meyer, doula, certified nutrition consultant, and author of Growing Together, joins Dr. Rebecca Dekker for a conversation about reclaiming the sacred, intuitive, and evidence-based aspects of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Carson shares how she stepped into birth work at a young age, driven by a desire to transform a system that can leave parents disempowered and unsupported. She opens up about her own home birth experience, the spiritual preparation that carried her through, and the tools she now teaches others through her virtual Growing Together Circles. Together, Carson and Dr. Dekker discuss the importance of informed choice and the emotional, physical, and environmental foundations of holistic care.   (04:57) Carson's Path to Becoming a Doula (07:24) Growing Together Circles and Virtual Doula Support (09:39) Carson's Home Birth Story (13:23) Holistic Practices for Pregnancy and Labor (17:33) Four Pillars of Postpartum Healing (21:15) Nourishment and Hydration During Postpartum (25:20) Environmental Health and Conscious Skincare (37:48) Advice for New Doulas on Avoiding Burnout   Resources Explore Carson's work: carson-meyer.com Follow Carson on Instagram: @ccmeyer   For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

When your baby isn't gaining weight. When their skin is raw and bleeding and nothing you try is helping. When the doctors keep saying, “They'll grow out of it,” but your gut is screaming, “something is wrong” - that is a kind of pain that most people don't understand. But I do. And this weeks Follow Your Gut Podcast guest, Sheridan, does too.In this episode, I sit down with Sheridan, a first-time mom whose baby girl was covered in severe eczema, crying around the clock, refusing to eat, and losing weight. She did everything right. She went to the pediatrician over and over again. She tried every cream, every elimination diet, every piece of advice thrown her way. And nothing worked. Until she found ōNLē.Just ten days after starting the Gut Rebalance Kit, her daughter's skin began to clear. She started gaining weight. She began making eye contact again. She started coming back to life and Sheridan could finally breathe.This episode is emotional, raw, and full of tears. It's for the mama who's in the thick of it. It's for the family who's been told to wait it out. It's for the women who are ready to trust their intuition and finally find the healing they've been searching for.The healing you will hear about in this episode is from the Women's and Children's Gut Rebalance Kit and Body Biome Kit.I can't wait for you to listen. I showed up to the conversation unprepared so make sure you have a box of tissues near by. Thanks for listening! I would love to connect with you ♡ Subscribe to the Nourished Newsletter Explore the Gut Rebalance Kits Visit our FAQ's Follow along on a Instagram Take the free Gut Health Quiz Email us at customercare@onleorganics.com Sending love and wellness from my family yours,xx - Juniper BennettFounder of ōNLē ORGANICS

In this episode, I'm joined by doula, certified nutrition consultant, and author Carson Meyer for a heartfelt conversation about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Carson has supported over 100 births, and she brings so much wisdom to topics like what to expect each trimester, how to build your birth team, and the growing interest in home birth and natural labor support.We talk about prenatal bonding, reducing induction and C-section rates, the power of movement and waterbirth, and how to set birth intentions instead of rigid plans. Carson also shares insight into spiritual preparation for motherhood, facing birth fears, and creating a supportive postpartum plan. Leave Us A Voice Message! | https://telbee.io/channel/4_b9zzx58wdkuwirqkcxwa/TOPICS DISCUSSED: → What does a doula do during pregnancy and birth?→ How can movement and water support natural labor?→ What are the benefits of home birth vs. hospital birth?→ How do you reduce the chance of induction or C-section?→ What's the difference between a birth plan and birth intentions?Sponsored By: → Be Well By Kelly Protein Powder & Essentials | Get $10 off your order with PODCAST10 at bewellbykelly.com.→ LMNT | Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT's most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Kelly→ WeNatal | You can use my link, wenatal.com/kelly, with any subscription order, to get a free one month supply of WeNatal's Omega DHA+ Fish Oil.→ OneSkin | Visit oneskin.co/BEWELL and use code BEWELL for 15% off your first purchase.Timestamps: → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:02:44 - What drew Carson to doula work?→ 00:05:17 - Doula training → 00:06:39 - Building a doula business → 00:08:56 - Doulas, Midwives, & your OBGYN→ 00:13:45 - Rise in home births & writing journey → 00:17:53 - Demystifying birth & pregnancy → 00:21:10 - Witnessing over 100 births → 00:22:43 - Prioritizing maternal well-being→ 00:25:15 - Exploring your fears around birth→ 00:29:34 - Surrendering to the raw intensity of birth→ 00:32:04 - Essential info for every trimester→ 00:36:11 - The spiritual side of parenthood → 00:37:06 - Prenatal bonding & attachment → 00:41:38 - Birth intentions vs a birth plan → 00:45:59 - C-section rates → 00:48:25 - Knowing when baby is ready to arrive→ 00:51:13 - Water birth, movement, & reducing induction rates→ 00:53:12 - Understanding waterbirth & home birth → 00:56:04 - Four pillars of postpartum → 01:00:18 - Kelly's postpartum experience Check Out Carson:→ Instagram→ Website → Skincare Line→ Growing Together: Doula Wisdom and Holistic Practices for Pregnancy, Birth, and Motherhood (book)Check Out Kelly:→

Send us a textDad brain is real: Men's brains change after baby arrives too!Ever wonder what happens to dads when a new baby enters the picture? We all know about the wild ride moms go through, but what about the silent, powerful transformation happening in partners? If you're a postpartum provider, perinatal mental health professional, or advocate for new parents, this episode is an absolute must-listen. We're discussing the biological brain changes in men after childbirth, the paternal identity shift, and why understanding these nuances is crucial for holistic postpartum care. You're about to uncover insights that will profoundly impact how you support new families, fathers in the postpartum period, and ultimately, maternal well-being. This isn't just about men's struggles; it's about empowering all parents to thrive in early parenthood.Check out the episode on the blog: https://postpartumu.com/podcast/what-happens-to-dads-after-baby-the-science-behind-dad-brain-ep-220/Key Time Stamps: 00:00: Intro: Unpacking fatherhood's unseen transformation. 03:17: The science of men's brain changes after baby. 04:34: Real-life impacts of paternal brain shifts. 06:13: Navigating increased anxiety and identity shifts in new fathers. 07:57: Relational strain and libido changes for dads. 09:32: Acknowledging male birth trauma and secondary trauma. 12:04: The invisible load: Financial stress and protector instincts in new fathers. 14:42: The societal pressure for men to "be strong." 15:29: Why "postpartum" is specific to mothers: The biological truth.18:05: The dangers of mislabeling paternal mental health.18:46: Accurate terms for paternal perinatal mental health. 19:14: Supporting fathers: Witnessing, educating, and partnership skills. 21:01: The vital balance: Supporting fathers without excusing absence. 22:11: Why a mother's postpartum journey is unique. 23:15: Holding both truths: Fathers change, postpartum is for mothers. 25:20: Call to action for providers and lasting impact on postpartum health.NEXT STEPS:

On today's episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, I'm joined by Jiaming Ju @kunhealth, a second-generation traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner and health economist who co-founded Kun Health with her father. From leading one of the world's largest longevity data projects to creating personalised Chinese herbal formulations, Jiaming brings a rare and fascinating perspective to holistic fertility care. We dive deep into the roots of Chinese medicine and its powerful role in treating unexplained infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and postpartum recovery. Jiaming shares why customized herbal medicine—rather than a one-size-fits-all approach—is key, and how stress, liver qi stagnation, and over-medicalisation can often stand in the way of conception. We also discuss the importance of preparing the body and mind for pregnancy, how men's health is often overlooked in fertility journeys, and the practice of wu wei—doing nothing—as a healing principle. This is an eye-opening and empowering conversation for anyone navigating fertility or seeking a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of health, mindset, and tradition. Key Takeaways:  Chinese herbal medicine offers a deeply personalized and effective approach to treating fertility challenges, especially unexplained infertility and miscarriage. Liver qi stagnation and chronic stress are common root causes in fertility struggles. True healing goes beyond quick fixes—it involves preparing the whole body and mind for pregnancy, not just aiming for a positive test. Partner health, especially sperm quality, is often under-acknowledged and under-tested in fertility journeys. Practicing wu wei—intentional rest and non-productivity—can help calm the nervous system and enhance reproductive health. Guest Bio: Jiaming Ju is the co-founder of KUN Health, where she partners with her father to offer personalised Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) care rooted in decades of lineage and wisdom. Before stepping into the world of herbal medicine, Jiaming led one of the largest global data projects on aging, spanning from New York to Singapore. With a background in health economics and longevity research, she brings a unique perspective to healing—bridging ancient Chinese traditions with modern insights. Together with her father, she helps individuals restore balance, improve fertility, and honour the heritage of Chinese medicine through customised herbal formulations and deep one-on-one care. Websites/Social Media Links: Learn more about KUN Health hereFollow Jiaming Ju in Instagram —------------- For more information about Michelle, visit www.michelleoravitz.com To learn more about ancient wisdom and fertility, you can get Michelle's book at: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility The Wholesome Fertility facebook group is where you can find free resources and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/ Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/ _____ Transcript: **Michelle Oravitz:** [00:00:00] Welcome to the podcast Jiaming.  **Jiaming Ju:** Thank you for having me.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Yes. I would love for you to share your background. I know you're second generation, um, traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, which is really cool. Um, I love the fact that you actually have your roots there and your father does too, and I feel like. That kind of takes it to a whole other level when you're working and learning from your parents. So I'd love to hear your background and have you share it with the listeners. **Jiaming Ju:** Uh, so I'm a health economist first. So I was in health, I was in economics basically for 10 years. Um, and. I think before Covid I was running one of the largest think tank on longevity, uh, data collecting in the world at the time in Singapore. Um, and then I came back to the States in 2019 and decided to [00:01:00] retrain for four years. It takes four years in California. And then, um, that's when also around the same time I opened Quinn.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Awesome. So, um, do you Longevity? I think of longevity and I think about fertility. 'cause a lot of times when we treat fertility, we're actually doing a lot of anti-aging. Um, we don't call it that 'cause we're working on mitochondria and really kind of getting the health, um, of the eggs and the uterine lining. So tell us about your experience with fertility and what you've, um, what you've seen. In practice. **Jiaming Ju:** Well, I mean, I work with a lot of people who have unexplained infertility. That's actually an area that, um, that I work a lot in. And, uh, this applies to both men and women among my patients. So I will have. A lot of patients who, uh, you know, they probably had a failed, failed rounds of IVF. [00:02:00] Um, and then that's when we work together. I also have a lot of patients, um, who have repetitive miscarriage, uh, which is increasingly, uh, common, unfortunately. And then I also work with a lot of women on postpartum, which is more on the traditional side, as you know, in Chinese medicine.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Yes, and so I know that we often get asked this, and I get asked this too, but I love always hearing the different perspectives on Chinese medicine. To explain to people in layman terms, why does acupuncture and Chinese medicine, I know Chinese medicine's a big umbrella. Acupuncture is really one part. I think most people think just acupuncture, but of course there's MOA herbs. I mean, there's so many different things. There's also auricular, you can get really detailed on that. So can you explain what Chinese medicine could do really to regulate periods, to regulate ovulation? Just kind of help fertility.[00:03:00]  **Jiaming Ju:** Well, I mean, first off, I think I grew up in the Chinese medicine family business, so to me it's very bizarre when people separate them. Um, you  **Michelle Oravitz:** the acupuncture and the herbs and the, **Jiaming Ju:** treatment from the, herbal treatment. However, I think, um, customized herbal formulation has always been the elitist form of Chinese medicine. It takes a lot of family lineage. Um, you know, pre bottled stuff aside for the modern human really, you know, whether you have fertility issues or not is really that one has to take a one-on-one approach to effectively treat something that's very complex. So having said that, um, I only work at Quinn for customized herbal formulation, so we don't do, although I'm licensed, I don't do acupuncture, uh,  **Michelle Oravitz:** Oh, got it. Oh, I didn't know that. I thought you did acupuncture as  **Jiaming Ju:** no I don't.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Oh, okay.  **Jiaming Ju:** We have all of you guys who are.  **Michelle Oravitz:** actually, um, I know in China they do separate it. A lot of times people will get really, really [00:04:00] focused on one aspect.  **Jiaming Ju:** Um, yes and no. I think in if, because in China and Korea they have TCM hospitals, right? So you have different departments where post-stroke, you go first off to the acupuncture people, which is the physical therapy part of Chinese medicine. And then. Depending on the severity of the stroke, you likely will get customized herbal formulation on top of that. Um, I usually say that, um, acupuncture is amazing, is like a great deep spring cl that everyone needs it often, um, customized herbal formulation and diagnosis is more like a renovation, so they're entirely different projects. I think when you consider a human as a house, right, you're building a house, you need, you have different needs. Um, in terms of female, I think we go back to the topic. I always like to talk about how, uh, women are fundamentally very, very important in Chinese medicine [00:05:00] because Chinese historically are obsessed with babies. Um, so this is the reason why a long time ago in all these empress, like, you know, like palaces, you will have. Uh, a whole college of hundreds of royal physicians, and they're all Chinese medicine doctors. And their goals are not only to keep, to make sure the emperor can live for as long as possible, is to make sure all these concubines can produce as many kids as possible. So this is why I think the, the practice, um, has a lot more interest in the history, right? The history is being that. We love kids and you want, China has one of the largest population in the world throughout history and you know, so it has a lot of that. You want kids and you need to care about women's health. So in a nutshell, I really like what you mentioned before, like when I actively worked as a, basically a longevity economist and my job was to advise countries in terms of, um, you know, fertility policies, aging population, right? How can you encourage, [00:06:00] and I often say that women's. Women friendly policies are essentially longevity policies. You don't have women giving birth to kids, then you won't have a, you know, sustainable population. This is one of the same. So I really liked you pointed that out. That is totally right. I think not many people think like that. Um. And so in a nutshell, like there is the historical interest then that would mean that in terms of research, there is the interest in the research, there is interest in data, there is, uh, Chinese medicine has been around for 3000 years and gynecology in particular in that field has been around for 3000 years. This is very different with how western medicine has developed. Right? Like c-section technique for example, was developed, I dunno, a hundred years ago, like it is very. It's, it is, it is. So it's really like not comparable in terms of history, even sheer patient number and uh, patient cases. So I think Chinese medicine really in many ways excel in understanding women's health [00:07:00] and fertility. I.  **Michelle Oravitz:** For sure. And I, I always say like with medicine, one of the key things that you wanna look at is how well does it age And Chinese medicine ages really well. So a lot of times you'll see new things, new pharmaceuticals, and then a couple years later you find out it's not as great and then something else comes out with Chinese medicine. I mean, it looks at nature, it really looks at like the elements of nature. That is something that is consistent. It's just part of really understanding that and then understanding ourselves. So I think that that is so cool about Chinese medicine. **Jiaming Ju:** Right. The internal is very much so the physical, right. I have, I'm sure you have too, a lot of patients who on the surface they're like. Really healthy. Uh, but they haven't had a period for three years. So, you know, this is, this is not, and then they will spend the money on Botox. But which then you're like, okay, you look good for maybe a [00:08:00] month, and then you have to do this again. Right. It, it is very different perspective. I think, um, many people say that, you know, why do, for example, in the practice of, uh, postpartum recovery, right? I'm sure you see it, and I see it a lot from the practice where. People who don't have, who are not on top of their health condition, especially in terms of digestive health. I'm more prone to have thyroid issues or, you know, uh, preeclampsia in the last trimester and then post burst. This doesn't only drag their health just downhill. And then also impact how you're going to have a second kid or a third kid if you want to. It really completely like, you know. Like it really completely wrecks your house in a ways that you didn't even see this coming. And that is a completely different perspective, right? Because often I will have patients who say that, oh, you are the first person who listens. How do you know I have these issues? Before I even tell you, I. It is really patterns. And I go back because [00:09:00] I am a nerd and I am an economist. Like I go back to data collecting Chinese medicine like in my father's, you know, practice. Like he will start seeing a kid at the age from the age of five and then she's, he sees the same kid when the kid is 35. You see a person's in a whole families right Conditions throughout their whole life, and That's The best possible data collection you can dream of, and you can think of. This is not just a, oh, here is some pills for antidepressant, for postpartum depression. Like give a women a pill like that. They will still have gazillion other issues, like what does this solve? And you will hear often for people who have postpartum depression, for example, right? Like they will then be dependent on depre antidepressant for the rest of their life. Then one questions. What does that serve? Right? Where does that put you as a human? Do you feel like you are out of control for your own health? Um, so Yeah. it's a different approach.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Yeah, completely. Uh, it's interesting you say about [00:10:00] antidepressants because I feel like it's almost, um, a screen in between me and the person. I feel like I'm not able to fully get through to the person with the treatments because there's something in the middle, in the way I. And um, and of course I don't tell them just stop because I know that that is a whole process. They have to be under the care of a doctor and tell them how to come out of it, because it's not something that you can just suddenly take out. I often feel like that. And I'd much rather if I can just treat it with nothing else, it'll be a lot easier. And then another thing too is um, that I thought you said that was really interesting and true is, um, you know, I think a lot of times often people just want that positive pregnancy, but you talked about something that is actually crucial. If people want a healthy pregnancy and then also healthy afterwards for more kids, you really have to think big picture and not just quick fix. And I [00:11:00] think that we're so conditioned for the quick fix that we don't think about the whole garden and really tending the soil. And I always think about it like that. It's like, yeah, we could throw a seed in and maybe that's gonna sprout. But if we don't give it the conditions it needs, those roots aren't gonna go deep and it's not gonna be a sustainable, like rooted sprout, which I think similar with pregnancy, you want not just pregnancy, but you want a healthy pregnancy, and you also want a healthy mom and baby. You need it all. It's not like you can have an unhealthy mom, healthy baby. You have to have the whole picture working together. **Jiaming Ju:** I think that's why like many people getting on IVF, and if you consider it a percentage of success rate for IVF is actually not that high. Right? Um, and then everyone is, and a lot of people are disappointed because they feel like I paid all this money and I, I, I got it. Why is it not happening? I think first off is because we're all conditioned to think that pregnancy is such a simple thing, right? You do it and you'll get [00:12:00] pregnant. Uh, the, in Chinese medicine we always say mental is the physical and vice versa. The impact of stress of our day-to-day demand, of being a modern human, whatever, whatever that means, has a huge number in other fertility potential, right? I often says to, I often say to my, uh, patients, um, and I say like, you know, often because. My patients might, in the middle of it, they're, they didn't come to see me For, fertility, but like after they healed from like long covid or something, they're like, I want to have kids. You know? Now I can really think about it and I will usually say that, you know, definitely be careful with like when you wanna get pregnant, because the healthier you are, the fertile you are, the more fertile you are. Often I think in this society where we talk about IVF technology, ever since it has been introduced, it has become a thing where people feel like, oh, so long as I do it right, I will, it will happen. And often people get very disappointed when [00:13:00] it doesn't happen. And I'm sure you see in your practice a a lot in recent, in the past five years, you know the, there is an increasing percentage of people who have to DOIs. IVF like twice or three times and still maybe without success. Right? Um, so I think there is a lot of, um, a lot to be said about looking at fertility, not just as a functionality that you as a woman or you as a human will just somehow have, but it's really about your overall health, right? Like, and I often talk to people who have repetitive miscarriage. I'm like, your digestive health is everything. Who is gonna carry the baby is gonna be you. Now, if you are having, already having like nausea, dry gagging, like five times a day, even when you're not pregnant, your chances of basically having repetitive miscarriage is probably quite high, right? So we have to fix what's, what is the fundamental thing. It is. Not that let's have a kid, because often [00:14:00] I, um, and I very, I talk about this not very often. But I do treat kids, and you often see a lot of kids who have incredible intolerance for food early in age is due to the fact that mother had a very difficult pregnancy.  Um, so this is very much so linked. It's not, like you said, it's not like the mother has to be in perfect house. So you have a chance, the mother and father in perfect house. So you have a chance of this baby being in perfect house often, even if you could get pregnant, if you have a kid who has so many problems, um, in the first two or three years there, basically. Um, you know, there was one time with a patron of mine who, when he came to see me, he was two and a half years old and he was basically deemed a failure to thrive because he couldn't gain weight and he was having leg diarrhea. Often. He was having crazy eczema. And then you find out the mom during [00:15:00] pregnancy and before pregnancy had a lot of issues. So this is all interlinked. Yeah.  **Michelle Oravitz:** it really is. Another thing I see often is people who do IVF and then they go to the doctor and the doctor says, well, you barely have anything. You really need to start immediately. And I always encourage them, spend a little time prote, you know, preparing yourself if they've never, if they haven't come to me and I say, you're much better off waiting a few months. Taking care of yourself, nourishing yourself, then doing IVF, then rushing into it. 'cause we're just looking at numbers and not kind of thinking about the quality and the preparation.  **Jiaming Ju:** Mm-hmm. ' **Michelle Oravitz:** cause in three months, it's not like you're gonna just lose everything. It's gonna just drop off a cliff. I mean, it's gonna be a few more months. You're gonna be in much better position. **Jiaming Ju:** I think that's totally true. I mean, in, in the old country, in East Asia, when you prepare for pregnancy, six months is very standard. That's when your partner quits smoking. They quit drinking, you know, you both eat [00:16:00] healthy. All of those stuff, Right. Um, and in this country we don't, it's almost like nobody necessarily prepare it. Everyone just expect it would just happen until it doesn't happen after a while and suddenly it goes from, oh, I'm really casual about it, to now I'm in a panic. I must do IVF. Right? Um, and. A large, obviously unexplained infertility has a lot to do with, there are multiple root causes. One of the most common ones I have seen is actually intense liver g stagnation, where often a women consider themselves as a failure for not being able to get pregnant. And the more you and I usually be able to tell with a patient when the first, for the first consultation, they'll say, I need to be pregnant by this date. **Michelle Oravitz:** Right. **Jiaming Ju:** You're not a machine, we're not ai. It doesn't work like that. And often, I also, I don't know whether you experienced this in your practice as well, but I [00:17:00] often, uh, I always ask about better the partner, uh, or whoever, is the sperm donor better? They have tested, oftentimes they have not.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Yeah, I agree.  **Jiaming Ju:** has done all the  work then,  **Michelle Oravitz:** I've seen that a lot and and sometimes the doctors don't even mention it.  **Jiaming Ju:** Right. And it is shocking to me because as we all know. through research, uh, I believe it was the newest study done using collective data from Europe, uh, the sperm quality, both in terms of speed and quality per say, is 50% lower than like. 20, 30 years ago, and this is understandable due to drugs, due to not sleeping, due to not taking care of ourselves, Right. Due to stress. So why is it always that we're plowing the field of a women? And I always say this, I said the worst thing would be I'm p plowing your field. And the seed is subpar then. So,  **Michelle Oravitz:** Correct.  **Jiaming Ju:** right? Like, it's so, like, it's So easy. for the man to get checked. [00:18:00] It takes no time at all.  **Michelle Oravitz:** I know. **Jiaming Ju:** So like how is it in this, like, you know. this is almost common sense both in terms of money, in terms of time, get your, get your sperm donor, you know, partner  checked first. Um, it's, uh, It is interesting. **Michelle Oravitz:** It is for sure. And then also, I mean it's, what's interesting is, yeah, you can get checked and everything looks normal and they're like, everything's perfect. But then the DNA might have something off, which. A normal analysis does not cover that. It's a special test that people take after, and usually they won't do that unless there were like miscarriages or there were failures with, um, the embryos to grow. So they'll, they'll then they'll check the sperm. DNA fragmentation. **Jiaming Ju:** It is always a little too late. And interestingly, um, I think even given my own experience, like I have two kids and they were born in different, two different countries, and I. Uh, [00:19:00] the second one who was born in the us I think the, the, even the md, the gynecologist like checkup is very minimum. There was, you know, like if you want like a, a better, clearer picture, you gotta pay more. Like there is like, I think the, the, the standard of what women are provided in this country in terms of like basic, you know, um, like a, a basic kind of gynecological service, um, throughout is very low compared to other countries. Uh, but I mean that also creates a lot of. Tension and anxiety from first time moms. Right. You don't know. And then you show up and then you said you're having some pain and doctor's like, it's okay. And then You know, there  **Michelle Oravitz:** supported because you know, internally something's off. Like, you're like, I know something's off. I'm not crazy, but like, ah, you're fine. It's in your head.  **Jiaming Ju:** right. And I think through and, and I think that's really the fundamental difference between [00:20:00] Chinese medicine and western medicine. Right. Chinese medicine. This is why a lot of people ask me, they're like, you're a Columbia educated economist. You wrote for the Economist magazine, and then you know, you run Nobel Prize winner think tank like, but like Chinese medicine, it must be so different. It's actually not. Health economics is all about getting subjective health data from. The person you interview, that's not so different from what, what we do in Chinese medicine. It's about you being the patient who knows best about your health, right? So if you say you have a pain, you have a pain, I'm, I'm don't live in your body. I don't get to judge you. I think this is also the reason why so many people feel heard. Chinese medicine clinics, um, where they feel like you're just another pregnant person, like time is up, you are leaving. So it's um, it's a very different process. Yeah.  **Michelle Oravitz:** It is such a different process and I actually remember myself the first time I went to an [00:21:00] acupuncturist. This is like kind of what started it all. I was, uh, in a completely different career and I all I could get from every single doctor I went to was the birth control pills. And people hear hearing this, a lot of my listeners already know my story, but it was just basically I had irregular periods and that was the only answer I can get. Never made sense to me on a intuitive sense. I was like, this just doesn't make sense. There's gotta be something. They're like, Nope, that's just your body. The only time you can have normal periods is if you take this. So I went through 12 years of that and the first time I met. My first doctor, Dr. Lee, who's from China, and he actually happened to specialize in gynecology. He sat with me and one of the biggest takeaways, like the biggest impacts that it had, was him listening to me and asking me questions and showing me interest in every part of my life. And I was like, wow, this is crazy. This is so cool. I've never gotten this much attention from anybody [00:22:00] on like, what's going on in my body? **Jiaming Ju:** right.  **Michelle Oravitz:** And then, um, so that was really fascinating. Of course, that did change my period and I was resolved. I, I did the, you know, real raw herbals and the acupuncture. But then also, uh, looking back when I went to school, one of my teachers said, and it kind of like never left my mind that part of the healing, like the therapy starts before a needle goes in. Just by listening and the second you feel heard, that by itself has an impact on your healing. **Jiaming Ju:** Right. The, the physical is mental and that is, um, observed and in every single way we treat patients. I have, I would just say like 90% of my patients not only have like physical ailments, they have a lot of like mental. Concerns as well. Right. Um, and usually as both the, the [00:23:00] mental improved physical improvement and vice versa. And this usually seems very, like, it's like a huge surprise or a big relief to the patients because they're like you. I mean, I, I didn't have to take antidepressant pill for this whole time. Right. Um, it's, I think is, is is, it is a very interesting. Myth we are told, um, and I, I don't mean this as a, as a, something like a, like I'm simply raising this as a question. How is it that we all come in different shape and form, race, color, experience, lifestyle, choices, all of that, and sexes. And then when you say, okay, someone is suppressed, you give everybody exactly the same. The only thing that varies is in the dosage. **Michelle Oravitz:** Yep. **Jiaming Ju:** Isn't that weird?  **Michelle Oravitz:** Mm-hmm.  **Jiaming Ju:** Right? Like it, and if you ask people who are depressed, um, I'll give you an example because I have a lot of A DHD patients, um, [00:24:00] especially, um, and The first thing I always ask when I examine the tongue, um, for A DHD patients is better. You have anemia. And often they do. Um, but as we know in Chinese medicine, even if the lab says you don't have anemia, your tongue can tell me you have anemia. The, the chance of you being anemic and showing a DHD symptoms is very high. So is that actually a DHD or not? Oftentimes is actually not true. A DHD. This is the reason why a lot of women who, uh, thought they have a DHD got on A DHD medication and then they crash when they don't take the medication, right, their energy crash, their focus crash. Then if, I mean, this is really a questions like if you take something, it works. The minute you stop, it doesn't work. Did they ever work? Right. It's almost  **Michelle Oravitz:** it resolve it? It's not resolving, it's not a, a true solution.  **Jiaming Ju:** Right. And then [00:25:00] when we talk about pregnancy, it's a similar process, Right. Is this just we implant a child in your body? Great. I'm glad technology works, but I think if I recall back in the days when, uh, IVF was invented, It was not supposed to be used so widely in today's environment. It was for, I believe, for specific reason, Right. There was a, a really strong infertility, I believe structurally for. Was it the researcher? We invented it. So like it was not supposed to be. It's the same thing with C-section. It was not supposed to be widely used. Like today's, I remember when I lived in Singapore, uh, C-section was so popular. It was like, you can pick your date. It was a thing you can pick, pick a auspicious date to give birth to your child, and everyone goes to have a csection on the same day. It wasn't designed like that. It wasn't meant to be used like that. So I think. Modern human need of getting things done. [00:26:00] Like I need to have a child. Here is the child, and here the child is delivered like this need of doing, boom, boom, boom. Just click on your life. To-do list is preventing us to see the garden you talked about is preventing us from really taking care of ourselves and really do the way that we are supposed to do that. Nature enables it because we probably wants too much. I don't know.  **Michelle Oravitz:** It's a too quick to, you know, quick fix. It's, it's going against the dao. It's going against that present moment, that being present because I, my theory or 'cause it wasn't really something that I specifically learned, but like, the more present you are, the more life force q you have because you, in this portal, your energy, your attention, like you said, no separation between the mind and the body. So the more present we are, the more energy could be here. If our minds are here and then it's somewhere else, or our bodies are just here and our minds somewhere else, we're scattered all over the place. [00:27:00] And, uh, so let's actually go back 'cause I thought that was really interesting what you were saying about the liver chi, like really, really severe liver cheese stagnation. Uh, for people listening, I've talked about the liver before, but liver cheese stagnation is severe stress. It's really being, to me it's kinda like being in major fight or flight chronically. **Jiaming Ju:** Mm-hmm. And it is interesting because the liver store is the blood. So some people will say like, especially, it's funny because I lived in New York for a long time and I will always spot a patient from New York, uh, from a mile away because whenever you ask them like, are you stressed? They're like, no, they look really stressed, but they're like, no, I can't handle it. This is intense Stress.  Handling it, you know,  doesn't  **Michelle Oravitz:** first of all, I lived in New York, so I know exactly what you're talking about. 'cause I'm a re recovering New Yorker. And then secondly ahead, I have a, like, I have a patient I could just picture in my head right now. I'm like, how are you doing? Everything's perfect. Everything's fine. Sleep is good. Good, good, good. Great. You know, and I'm like, she, and, [00:28:00] and then like every needle that goes in, oh, oh, you know, she's. **Jiaming Ju:** I think this is the hardest lesson in life. Um, I feel. Um, is to desire something and not getting it, like, either, not on your timeline or like not the way you want it. And I think, um, liver cheese stagnation is exactly that. I mean, traditionally we say, oh, it's anger is more manifested in road rage. But really in today's society, I like to interpret liver cheese technician manifested in ways. That is like a mild, like a irritability, like a constant irritability. You're just waiting people to, to do something wrong and you are snap at them, right? We are all familiar with that kind  **Michelle Oravitz:** It's resistance. It's resistance to life.  **Jiaming Ju:** frustration, right? You're like constantly frustrated. Someone [00:29:00] else got a promotion, you think you are deserve the promotion, you're not seeing anything frustration. It is. What you think in your head you deserve. And the reality, and there is a gross, like mismatching here. Um, and I, every single time I have a patient who comes because of, you know, infertility issues and I will always spend so much time talking to them about their psychology, like mental health. I, the way I do consultations. I have a huge part, at least I think. Total 30% of my total questions about the mental this matters in particular to people who have been having difficulty pregnant because, and I explain it to my patients like this, if you are so stagnant, if your body is so full of stagnation and cheat, where do you think a baby can sit? The baby. The baby has nowhere to sit. There is no room for the child. And [00:30:00] that in a way. Is indeed the hardest lesson because to be pregnant, to be a parent to me personally, I think is the hardest thing in life is, is the uncertainty. You can do everything you do. Right, right. In, in parenthood. You don't know how it's gonna turn out, and this is, this process actually start from getting pregnant. Like so many people feel so certain, oh, I just do it, you know, a couple of times. And during ovulation I will be pregnant. It doesn't work like that in Chinese medicine. You know, when it advocates for healthy pregnancy, it is the Jing, it is the Chi, it is the Ansys, it is the spirit and body of you and your partner.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Yep. **Jiaming Ju:** I'm not even a religious person, but I would say that is rather agno agno agnostic like process, right? Because it depends. You need a bit of luck For a [00:31:00] person who is intensely chi stagnant, they don't believe in luck. You, I'm, I don't know whether you've checked this with your patients,  **Michelle Oravitz:** yeah. No, they, they put everything on their shoulders. They think that it's all up to them, and that's why they feel like they need to control, and it's being in that fight or flight because you're in survival mode. And when you're in survival mode, there's not plenty to go around. You need to scrounge and you need to work, and you need to fight to get whatever you need. And that's, um, that's ultimately, you know, from an observer's perspective. Yeah, that's what I see. **Jiaming Ju:** Right. And it is, you will see whenever that happens, you know, it's almost like you as a provider, you are being told like. This is the only thing you're doing. You're, you're giving me a child and then like, this is never gonna work. This is never gonna work because liver cheese stagnation. Really, I feel like clinically is one of the major reasons for unexplained fertility. And that in turn frustrates the person even more because you're telling them structurally there is nothing wrong, [00:32:00] but they just cannot get pregnant no matter what they do. Right. Um, so this is already a deeply frustrating process and telling them that, leave it to. Just follow the protocol and leave it to fate. And you, I will always notice that 50, not 50%, like you always have like 20% of people or 30% of people who are just not, they'll ask you like, what are the best thing I can eat to make this happen faster? Right? Like, what, what is, um, you're going against what you, you know, you're, you're doing exactly the opposite of what you're supposed to. Um, but that is hard. I think  **Michelle Oravitz:** It is hard. Yeah. It, it's, it's one of those things that is often missed and I, I, I actually wrote a book about that. 'cause in the book I don't give any diet tips or anything. Like, I'm like, that's not what's needed. Because everybody can look up like the best diet and there's plenty of great books about what can help. And of course everybody's different and, you know, really understanding kind of your own sensitivities and et cetera. But. [00:33:00] My point is, is that many times people going through the fertility journey are actually very smart. They're very educated, and they educate themselves on. Supplements and what to do. And so they're, they, they have that down, but that's not what it's about. I mean, it's about also the nervous system and I, I say the nervous system 'cause it's more late layman terms, but it's ultimately what the QI does. Like the QI needs to move and to flow. And if we're in this fight or flight, it's stagnates. And so you see that often? **Jiaming Ju:** I think that's really true because it is really about the difficult, the most difficult thing in life is to dive into uncertainty.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Mm-hmm. **Jiaming Ju:** You have two types of people who, well, you have three types. One type who just like go with the flow, right? Nothing wrong with that. You have one type who always wanna get ahead before everybody else. They always wanna know everything that's supposed to be done, it comes to being pregnant, having a healthy delivery, [00:34:00] that's actually not how it works. And I think that's, you gotta have a openness. To say, I'm going to dive into this uncertainty because you know what, when a baby is here, when you have to raise this child, right, um, you're gonna need that when they start going to school or even when you homeschool them. It doesn't matter. Like you cannot control everything. And I think that is a very important thing that, uh, really starts even during pregnancy preparation.  **Michelle Oravitz:** You know, I will say it's kind of like meeting the love of your life  **Jiaming Ju:** Right,  **Michelle Oravitz:** and you're not like, you are gonna be the one that I marry. You know, you can't, you, it doesn't work like that. Then the person's gonna wanna run, run away.  **Jiaming Ju:** right. you. can't just come with your list and be like, well, You check every single list here. Right. Um.  **Michelle Oravitz:** it's gotta be a little more romantic and have those, you know, moments of quiet and silence and, and kind of have this dance [00:35:00] happen. **Jiaming Ju:** Yeah. But you know, I, I think the world has in increasingly, has increasingly become a place where. People want bandage solutions. And I think that where, uh, the economy, if you're looking at some like rising industries, that that's what it gives like, right? A product. This is especially the case in America where it's all about something has a product, right? Like what is the one-off solution you could give to that? But things where humans have been doing for centuries, like procreation. Defies the odd of that, no matter how many one-off Band-aid solutions you're gonna have, it's not going to click. And I keep telling this to all my patients who not only just for fertility, but for every odd syndromes under sun, as I have a lot of patients who have very difficult, complex disorders, [00:36:00] is that. When you commit to something that is trying to get pregnant or trying to get better, it's like when you go to a Taoist pimple or you go to any church or any religious place you go and you put a slice of your peace of your heart and peace of your mind there because you are really committed right in that given moment. And that's all I'm asking for as a provider. Um, I always don't always go into it with. But what about this? What about this? What about this? Like, why don't we settle this one first? Um, so, you know, talk about nervous system. You can come down first. Otherwise your nervous system is all over the place where you are like, you're not doing anything like, you know, fully. So.  **Michelle Oravitz:** And what other suggestions do you ever give people, um, suggestions that they could do outside of the. What you're helping [00:37:00] them with. Because I would typically say even like you can come in, do the acupuncture, even take the herbs and supplements. But if you're going back and having a crazy stressful time, then it's going to pretty much negate a lot of what we did. So I'll suggest things even like rounding or spending a little time in the morning of silence or peace just to kind of get themselves into a partnership really with me on their health. **Jiaming Ju:** Um. We have a 16 page behavior report that we customize for every single new patient, um, that I will hold 'em to it. That includes  nutrition and also lifestyle tips for people who try to get pregnant specifically. Um, I give, like, I consider this not as tips. I consider this as just like you need to do it is to get your [00:38:00] husband or your partner or whoever donates the sperm tested as soon as possible and making sure they're not drinking like six. Bottles of beer a day. Like, you know, like if you're in this like, you know, situation prep, pre uh, preparing for pregnancy, they should too. Um, and I usually advocate for morning intercourse rather than night intercourse. During ovulation to increase the chances. Um, and there are a bunch of specific ones. I usually give like on a patient to patient base, but I also will tell people to, um, spend at least one or two hours of, of a day to practice the Daoist principle of Uwe. **Michelle Oravitz:** I love that. That's my favorite, by the way.  **Jiaming Ju:** and I, you know, your New York patients will be like, no. But like, um, can I actually go cycling during that time? I'm like, no. The point of Uwe is you do nothing productive. [00:39:00] Then they have, you put them in a conundrum because they're like, then I'm just wasting my time. I'm like, no.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Wait, so people who don't know wwe, can you explain. **Jiaming Ju:** So WWE is the Daoist principle of doing nothing. Um, it's a practice I regularly issue to people to forcefully calm their mind. So I give a bunch of suggestions through what you can do for your wwe. Like for example, uh, you can knit, but not because. You're knitting for a nephew or something, you're learning to knit, not because you're good at it, it is because you want to. So it's to completely deviate from a lifestyle where we are chasing daily achievement all the time, right? It's more about resting your body and mind and focus on what matters on the present, which traditionally you to think it doesn't matter. So one of my favorite thing, even when I lived in New York City, was to really sit in a random coffee shop and just sit there, read my book or like judge [00:40:00] people's sense of fashion. So I will like people judge when I'm in the cafes. Like, what did you do during that time? Nothing. But I always feel like, great.  **Michelle Oravitz:** But it's like effortless effort. You're still there. It's not like you're totally inactive. You're, you're still there, but you're like in this neutral flow  state.  **Jiaming Ju:** Right, and then that's very important because there is nothing more difficult to a person who tries to get pregnant than thinking they're losing time. They're being told that they're losing time. They're late by every possible doctor under the sun. But you know, that is a time, is a, being late or not is a relative concept, as we say in Chinese medicine,  **Michelle Oravitz:** It's true. **Jiaming Ju:** So oftentimes you'll see people like signing off for IVF, not because they're physical ready, It's because they are told they are short on time, right? You don't do this now, you can't do it in three months. But statistics don't work like that. Like you said, you know, [00:41:00] within three months, your body's not going to dramatically change. You, you must well spend the time to take care of yourself, then really increase your chances rather than, I'm gonna dive into this when I'm super stressed. Um, pinning so much hope on this. Um, so yeah, again, I mean, I, I think that's really the thing, like having a child and being pregnant is not just something you must do in life. It's a, it's more than that. It's a mild, it's, it's, um. It's a face in life. One doesn't have to have it, but if you do decide to have it, I, I really think that people need to take a broader view on it.  **Michelle Oravitz:** 100%. I think that is so beautifully put because it is a big picture and it's um, you can't just take the part and then look at the part and say, okay, that's it. You have to look at like. How it interplays and works together as a [00:42:00] whole organism. And that's when you get the big picture. And, um, yeah. And I think about like, you know, the yin and the yang, you know, being too young all the time, you're gonna burn out the yin and that's ultimately the nervous system right there, having that balance. **Jiaming Ju:** Yeah, exactly. I think the society demands us to constantly deliver.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Mm-hmm. **Jiaming Ju:** The question is, what are you delivering? There isn't a return policy for a parent once the child is here. You are responsible for them for life. Um, so this is not just, I'm just, I just wanna get pregnant. This is a how it's going to completely transform your life wrecking you because your identity will be rewritten the minute you are pregnant, uh, when you become a parent. Um, and I think people need to probably, you know, take it, I always say like, take it more seriously, but [00:43:00] also take it less seriously. I. Because I think people take it really seriously on the, am I pregnant or not pregnant part, Right. But that don't take that too seriously, but like people need to consider what that means. The implication at your health more seriously.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Yeah, for sure. And so if people, and it's, it, it really helps to have somebody to work with because I think that. There's a lot of reminders that can be done from somebody who's looking at it more objectively and not in it because it's very hard to understand, um, what you're sharing if you're not working with somebody else. And I think that that's like the benefit on top of obviously getting the therapy, but also getting, you know, the treatments and also. Getting that perspective because when you're too in it, it's very hard to decipher. So I think that that is very priceless. Um, so for people who want to work with you, what do you offer? **Jiaming Ju:** [00:44:00] I think the, if you're interested in, and I always say this as a dare and those are kinds of my favorite tongue, tongue readings to do, is that people who say like, no, I won't tell you anything. I just give you my tongue, and then they're completely in shock when I spell out all your, their life secrets. So I think That's the number one thing you can do. Um, and in these tongue readings, I also give three quick suggestions, but I give a very good overview of like what you're not telling me about what's happening, wizard Health. Um, and that's a very fun thing to do. 'cause everyone has a tongue, right? And tongue reading is one of the most traditional things we offer in Chinese medicine. Uh, but usually the serious, more serious part. Is the one-on-one consultation with me online. And um, and then customized herbal formulation. I would say like 95% of my one-on-one patients on customized herbal formulation. And then. We do the monthly follow up for [00:45:00] that. And then there is also a bunch of digital small booklets, recipe books like that we, um, that I have written. For example, I have a postpartum recipe booklet that I highly recommend for anybody who is pregnant. And you don't know what, what really you heard about this myth about Chinese women eating different things postpartum. You don't know what that is. Uh, I wrote. A 20 page I believe, recipe book that  includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner and snack. Uh, for that. So That's a lot of like self study resources as well. Yeah, **Michelle Oravitz:** That's great. Um, sounds awesome. And you do raw herbs.  **Jiaming Ju:** no, I only do gran.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Oh, granule, which is so easy, but it also is effective because it's easy to digest, easier  **Jiaming Ju:** right. And everything is made to order. So we have patients from Scotland to, to Singapore. It's, it. is we, so it's, uh, everything is made to order and I co-write a formula with my dad for every single [00:46:00] patient. So,  **Michelle Oravitz:** Fantastic. And how can people find you? **Jiaming Ju:** Uh, you can follow us at Quinn House, KUN House. Uh, I believe we're on TikTok as well, but I never check TikTok. I'm a little bit scared of TikTok, so, um, Instagram is my  **Michelle Oravitz:** It's funny, I never got into TikTok too. I just do reels on Instagram. I just love Instagram. **Jiaming Ju:** Yeah, I think TikTok is a little bit of a wild scenario, but, um, yeah, Instagram is where I, I think do the most, so.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Awesome. Well, it was such a pleasure talking to you. You sound like a wealth of knowledge and I love your perspective and really how you understand, um, really from diet and, and also herbals, which is an art in itself. So thank you so much for coming on today. It was such a pleasure talking to you.  **Jiaming Ju:** you. [00:47:00]     

What if in only six months you could completely rewire your nervous system, your relationships, your motherhood—and your entire sense of self?In this soul-expanding episode, I sit down with my client, Hani Caiserman, founder of Breath of Hani, who supports mothers through pregnancy, postpartum, and every sacred stage of womanhood. Hani guides women in clearing generational trauma, reconnecting to their truth, and grounding into their power using breathwork, coaching, and spiritual tools.We unpack:How she uses conscious breathwork to help mothers shift trauma and regulate their nervous systemsThe way generational healing has transformed her family dynamics, marriage, and motheringHer process of building a soul-aligned business while raising four kidsWhat self-concept work and astrology did to rapidly shift her realityWhy her story proves that real transformation doesn't have to take yearsHani is proof that you can be a devoted mother and a powerful, visionary leader—and that 6 months of committed soul work can change everything.Connect with Hani:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breath.of.hani/Website: https://breathofhani.comJoin Hani's community: https://hani-caiserman.mykajabi.com/BreatheSelf concept workshop register link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EKXgZ2iPc95oCitLkLRLL6kdCHwQxztF-_r7DKsS2p4/edit?usp=sharingWork with Rachel to embark on your own deep healing journey:https://rachel-varitimos-077f.mykajabi.com/

I sit down with Carson Meyer—doula, holistic birth advocate, and author of Growing Together. Carson shares her personal journey into birth work and what inspired her to create this deeply nourishing week-by-week guide for expecting parents. We dive into: ✨ The power of ritual and nourishment during pregnancy and postpartum ✨ Why the fourth trimester is just as important as birth itself ✨ Setting boundaries with visitors and postpartum support ✨ The truth about starting solids and redefining “kids' food” ✨ The sacred transformation of motherhood and personal growth Carson's wisdom is a breath of fresh air in today's overly medicalized birth world, and this conversation will leave you feeling more grounded, informed, and empowered—whether you're on your own journey to parenthood or simply want to learn more about holistic birth and mothering. Resources: Follow Carson on Instagram and get her new book, Growing Together Also check out her skincare line, C & The Moon discount code: CLAUDIA15 Follow the host, Claudia, on Instagram and check out her website Shop Puori grass-fed protein powder + supplements (Clean Label Certified and third-party tested!!!) discount code: HEALINGTHESOURCE

Ep 130 Description:  “Rituals are related to pleasure.” —Alejandra Lozano   Rituals have the power to transform the childbirth experience, unlocking deeper layers of intimacy, pleasure, and connection. The journey from pregnancy to postpartum can become a profound rite of passage by honoring ancestral wisdom and incorporating sacred practices. In this episode, we explore how these time-honored traditions can reshape the way we approach one of life's most transformative events. Alejandra Lozano is a dedicated Mexican midwife with over 11 years of experience walking the sacred path of supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Her own transformative home water birth ignited a deep calling to immerse herself in the richness of traditional Mexican midwifery practices. Tune in as Debra and Alejandra discuss the integration of ancestral rituals in childbirth and postpartum care, exploring the power of practices like Sobada, Herbal Baths, and Rebozo to foster intimacy, connection, and a holistic approach to this life-changing experience.   Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471      Episode Highlights: 04:15 Alejandra's Birth Experiences 11:12 Post-Birth Transformation 15:04 Connecting with Midwives 18:02 Integrating Rituals into Prenatal Care and Birth 24:44 Supporting Women in Labor with Sobada 28:42 The Role of Touch in Midwifery