All About Pregnancy & Birth
327 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 588 ratingsYou're not alone in your uncertainty about this monumental life stage of pregnancy and birth. If you’re ready to replace the overwhelm of late-night Googling with expert conversations and stories of strength and positivity from women just like you — join us on the top-rated All About Pregnancy & Birth podcast. The All About Pregnancy & Birth podcast is your place for supportive, evidence-based information from Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins, an OB/GYN physician who’s been in practice for nearly 15 years and has helped over 1000 babies into this world. You’ll also learn from innovative experts and hear stories of strength and resilience from parents and moms-to-be experiencing the same overwhelm and excitement as you.
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Episodes
Gift Ideas To Help Postpartum!
November 30, 2023 10:00 - 10 minutes - 9.65 MBThese are great gift ideas to help postpartum. You can give them or ask for them in your registry! And learn more about postpartum doulas in episode 115 of the podcast. Our Sponsors: * Check out Dr. Mom Butt Balm: drmombuttbalm.com * Head to byheart.com/podcast my code DRNICOLE for a great deal! * Practice love every day with Paired, the #1 app for couples. Download the app at https://www.paired.com/DRNICOLE Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https:/...
Ep234: Mary Rose’s Birth Story - Overcoming Hyperemesis And A FAST Labor
November 28, 2023 10:00 - 49 minutes - 44.9 MBMary Rose’s labor went so fast she wouldn’t have had time for medication if she wanted it. She went from “let’s do this” to “your baby’s here” in only 20 minutes of pushing! After struggling through a violently ill pregnancy, she got the beautiful birth she dreamed of. Hyperemesis gravidarum made the first 20 or so weeks of Mary Rose’s pregnancy a nightmare. It’s more than just morning sickness. Hyperemesis refers to extreme nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. She couldn’t keep anything ...
Ep233: 10 Things I’m Thankful For
November 21, 2023 10:00 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBIt's Thanksgiving this week so I’m sharing 10 things I’m thankful for. I have so much gratitude and a big part of that is YOU. I know your time is valuable and I appreciate that you choose to spend it with me. It’s such a privilege to serve people during one of the most meaningful events of their lives. Whether it’s at the bedside or sharing information on this podcast, I don't take it lightly that what I get to do is really special and I am incredibly, incredibly grateful to do this work. ...
My NICU Baby Is Turning 16! - What I Remember Most From Her Time In The NICU
November 16, 2023 10:00 - 9 minutes - 9.06 MBMy NICU baby is turning 16 this week! So I'm sharing 5 things I remember from that difficult time. Also if you have a baby in the NICU, do check out episode 76 of the podcast with neonatologist Dr. Terri Major-Kincade. It's the episode I wish I had when I had my NICU baby! https://drnicolerankins.com/episode76/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Dr. Mom Butt Balm: drmombuttbalm.com * Head to byheart.com/podcast my code DRNICOLE for a great deal! * Practice love every day with Paired, the #1 app ...
Ep 232: Anxiety and Pregnancy with Dr. Lauren Cook
November 14, 2023 10:00 - 43 minutes - 39.4 MBWhy does Dr. Lauren Cook call Gen-Z and Millennials “Generation Anxiety”? There are a lot of reasons and you’re going to learn about them - and a lot more - in this fascinating episode on mental health. Whether you’re pregnant, in the postpartum, or even if you’re still trying, a lot of challenging feelings can come up. Today’s guest is a clinical psychologist and a mother. She brings a healthy blend of science and personal experience and I know you’re going to learn a lot from her! In th...
[A DR. NICOLE FAVORITE] The Midwifery Model Of Care
November 07, 2023 10:00 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBThis week’s episode is a rebroadcast all about midwifery care. It's a “Dr. Nicole Favorite” because the midwifery model of care is outstanding. All of us who work in maternal health should learn about it, implement midwifery care aspects into the care we provide, and you should look for these elements in the care you receive regardless of whether or not you have a midwife. I was initially inspired to do this episode after hearing Heidi (episode 119) talk about how her midwife worked so well...
Dr Nicole Says: Pregnant People
November 02, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 7.22 MBIn this short episode you're going to learn my honest thoughts about the term pregnant people. I'd love to hear your thoughts about this! Shoot me a message through my website drnicolerankins.com/contact or send me a DM on Instagram @drnicolerankins. And Make A Birth Plan The RIGHT Way in my free class! Sign up here. Our Sponsors: * Check out Dr. Mom Butt Balm: drmombuttbalm.com * Head to byheart.com/podcast my code DRNICOLE for a great deal! * Practice love every day with Paired, the #1 ...
Ep231: Vincia’s Birth Story - The Second Baby Comes Faster, A LOT Faster
October 31, 2023 09:00 - 55 minutes - 50.7 MBI’ve heard and been a part of a LOT of birth stories but I have never heard a birth story quite like this one. Vincia’s second birth was the epitome of precipitous labor. Baby number one arrived two days past his due date after 36 hours of labor - eight hours medicated with Pitocin and an epidural. For the second time around she was dreaming of fifteen hours of labor or less. She never could’ve imagined that it was going to be less than three hours from her first contraction to her baby bein...
Dr. Nicole Stories - There's An Umbilical Cord Hanging Out!!
October 26, 2023 09:00 - 9 minutes - 8.89 MBThis is called an umbilical cord prolapse and it’s a true obstetric emergency. The cord can get squeezed and cut off blood supply to the baby. Listen to learn the unique way I handled this situation. Make A Birth Plan The RIGHT Way! - FREE Class drnicolerankins.com/birth-plan Our Sponsors: * Check out Dr. Mom Butt Balm: drmombuttbalm.com * Head to byheart.com/podcast my code DRNICOLE for a great deal! * Practice love every day with Paired, the #1 app for couples. Download the app at http...
Ep 230: Hypnosis For Childbirth with Kerry Tuschhoff of Hypnobabies
October 24, 2023 09:00 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MBHypnosis during labor and birth has come up several times on the podcast and today I’m interviewing an expert. Kerry Tuschhoff is a doula, birth instructor, and founder of Hypnobabies. No, they don’t hypnotize babies :). It’s an online resource for hypnosis classes and courses for childbirth. Kerry was shocked at how severe the pain of childbirth was and decided to dedicate herself to finding a way to make it easier. That path led her to hypno-anesthesia and eventually becoming a profession...
Story Time: How I Found Out I Was Pregnant
October 19, 2023 09:00 - 10 minutes - 9.29 MBIn this quick story time episode you'll hear how I found out I was pregnant with both of our girls. Spoiler alert - somehow all my OB/GYN knowledge and training went out the window both times :)! Use the code DRNICOLE to get 20% off your first order of personalized prenatal vitamins at helloellement.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Dr. Mom Butt Balm: drmombuttbalm.com * Head to byheart.com/podcast my code DRNICOLE for a great deal! * Practice love every day with Paired, the #1 app for coupl...
Ep 229: Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
October 17, 2023 09:00 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MBIf you’re considering VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), this episode is a must listen! Most individuals with one (or two!) prior low transverse cesareans can consider VBAC. But you MUST bring it up early with your healthcare provider to be sure they will support your wishes, because not all doctors support it and some are not forthcoming about that. With VBAC, you avoid major surgery and the recovery time can be quicker but it’s not the appropriate option for everyone and there are risks....
Dr. Nicole Says - Don't Expect A Doula To Save You
October 12, 2023 09:00 - 9 minutes - 8.37 MBI LOVE a great doula! But I see too much pressure placed on them to save the day for pregnant women and that's not fair. Check out The Birth Preparation Course: drnicolerankins.com/enroll Our Sponsors: * Check out Dr. Mom Butt Balm: drmombuttbalm.com * Head to byheart.com/podcast my code DRNICOLE for a great deal! * Practice love every day with Paired, the #1 app for couples. Download the app at https://www.paired.com/DRNICOLE Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy...
Ep228: Amanda’s Birth Story - Unexpected Yet Beautiful Cesarean
October 10, 2023 09:00 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBAmanda wanted to share the experience of her “incredibly beautiful” c-section today, so other pregnant people can hear that it doesn’t have to be scary or traumatic. She describes her experience as “gentle and empowering” and wants more people to spread the word that cesarean doesn’t need to be feared or considered “less than.” Now, I usually don’t share birth stories from other countries because I don’t know the system and I can’t comment on it. But sometimes it’s nice to hear about other ...
Dr. Nicole Says - You Deserve More Than A Healthy Baby
October 05, 2023 09:00 - 8 minutes - 7.67 MBWe need to stop saying just be happy to have a healthy baby. Birth is a special event that doesn’t happen very often. So of course you have wishes beyond just physical health for this beautiful life changing event. Now, unfortunately not everyone sees things that way. There are doctors, nurses, and even family members or friends who will tell you “just be happy to have a healthy baby”. And yes of course you want a healthy baby, but beyond that, I know you want to be listened to and you wa...
Ep 227: Fighting Stillbirth with Elizabeth O’Donnell of Aaliyah in Action
October 03, 2023 09:00 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MBAddressing stillbirth can be a sensitive and challenging topic but it’s an essential one. Like with anything else in birth, it’s always better to learn about every possible outcome, even the ones you don’t want. Besides educating yourself, it’s important to listen to this episode because parents who have experienced stillbirth don’t deserve to suffer in silence. Avoiding their stories out of fear that it might affect your own pregnancy denies support to those who need it most. If it happened...
Dr. Nicole's Stories From The Hospital - A Low Intervention Unmedicated Hospital Birth
September 28, 2023 09:00 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBIn this shorty episode you'll get a play by play of what it was like when I recently cared for a patient who had a low intervention hospital birth. Here are a few things that were included - no IV fluids (but a saline lock) intermittent monitoring limited cervical exams (I only did 2 during her more than 12 hours of labor) encouraging moving eating and drinking as she desired and more! Check out my online childbirth education class The Birth Preparation Course - drnicolerankins.com/en...
Ep226: Cesarean Birth - Everyone Needs to Listen to This!
September 26, 2023 09:00 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBIn this episode, you’re going to learn about cesarean births - both planned and unplanned. I’ve actually had two cesarean births, one unplanned and one planned. I want to show some love to fellow cesarean parents because it’s essential, whether you’re planning a cesarean or not, to understand what might happen. Being prepared for the possibility of a c-section is crucial, as it can be the right choice for you or your baby’s health. And it’s ok to feel upset about having a cesarean but don’t ...
Dr. Nicole Says - Skin To Skin Contact Should Be Routine With EVERY Birth
September 21, 2023 09:00 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBOn your skin. That’s where your baby should be right after birth! The benefits of skin to skin contact include: An easier transition to newborn life More stable breathing and temperature Helps with breastfeeding Promotes bonding Check out The Birth Preparation Course , my online childbirth education class that gets you calm. confident, and empowered to have a beautiful birth. Our Sponsors: * Check out Dr. Mom Butt Balm: drmombuttbalm.com * Head to byheart.com/podcast my code DRNICOL...
Ep 225: Meg’s Birth Story - A Successful Vaginal Birth After Cesarean and an Unexpected Water Birth
September 19, 2023 11:00 - 45 minutes - 41.4 MBWhen Meg was already trying for the ambitious goal of an unmedicated VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), the hospital didn't think she could also have a water birth. But she proved them wrong when she gave birth in the tub. Her first baby was breech. Despite trying everything she could to turn her, she was unable to and in the end had a c-section. Even though the birth went well, she was disappointed that she didn't have the experience she wanted. Even though she knew there was a chance it...
Dr Nicole Says - NOTHING should happen to you during your birth without your consent
September 14, 2023 09:00 - 10 minutes - 9.61 MBNothing should happen to you during your birth without your consent. That means before ➡️ Vaginal exams ➡️ Breaking your water ➡️ Starting pitocin ➡️ Episiotomy there’s a discussion about the benefits, risks, and alternatives and your provider needs to receive your explicit consent before proceeding. This places YOU at the center of your birth which is exactly how it should be. The Birth Preparation Course Our Sponsors: * Check out Dr. Mom Butt Balm: drmombuttbalm.com * Head to byhe...
Ep 224: Being a Solo Mom By Choice with Julia Karol
September 12, 2023 11:00 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MBSometimes, you realize that your Plan B was your Plan A all along. When Julia chose to become a solo mom, there were a lot of decisions to be made. She meditated, traveled, journaled, and more. This path of independent maternity felt right to her so she set out to learn as much about alternative families as she could. She decided to do this by having conversations with real people which inspired her podcast Stork’d. She’s on a mission to share through personal experience, both hers and othe...
Ep223: What You Need To Know About Shoulder Dystocia
September 05, 2023 09:00 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MBSome of you may have heard about the tragic incident in Atlanta involving a case of shoulder dystocia during childbirth. In light of this case, I thought I’d take the opportunity to explain exactly what shoulder dystocia is, how likely it is to occur, and what makes it so dangerous. I delve into this topic in more detail in the episode, but essentially shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the pelvic bone during delivery. Nine times out of ten the situation will ...
Dr. Nicole Says: Mistreatment In Pregnancy and Birth Study and How To Avoid Mistreatment
August 31, 2023 09:00 - 16 minutes - 15 MBThis Dr. Nicole Says episode is about the August 2023 CDC study examining mistreatment and discrimination in birth. Approximately one in five (20.4%) respondents reported experiencing at least one type of mistreatment. 28.9% of respondents reported experiencing at least one form of discrimination during maternity care. Yet, 90.5% of respondents were satisfied with the care they received during pregnancy Why is that? I break all of it down and you'll also learn how you can avoid mistr...
Ep 222: Rachel’s Birth Story - A Quick Unmedicated Birth After Choosing Induction
August 29, 2023 09:00 - 55 minutes - 51.3 MBIt’s not very often we get to speak to someone who plans for an induction. But when Rachel’s husband only had TWO DAYS of parental leave and was assigned an out-of-town position, induction was the perfect solution! What she wanted was an unmedicated birth preferably without Pitocin and incredibly that’s what she got! However, it wasn’t by accident. Rachel refers to herself as “type A” and she was very, very prepared (including taking The Birth Preparation Course!). All of her planning paid ...
Dr. Nicole Says: It's Ok To Fear Birth!
August 24, 2023 09:00 - 9 minutes - 9.15 MBWelcome to the first episode of Dr. Nicole Says! In this episode you'll learn why it's not only ok, but NORMAL to fear birth and what you should do with that fear. These Dr. Nicole Says episodes will be short episodes (about 10 minutes or less) where I share a little pregnancy and birth gem with you :). The only way to know about these episodes is to subscribe to the podcast so be sure you're subscribed! Register for the class How to Make a Birth Plan the RIGHT Way (next LIVE class is Au...
Ep 221: Healing Through Birth Story Medicine with Amelia Kriss
August 22, 2023 09:00 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MBHave you heard of birth story medicine? Today’s guest, Amelia Kriss, is a therapist who helps parents work through unresolved issues connected to the experience of giving birth. Not everyone will necessarily need to work through their delivery narrative with someone else. But for those who experience trauma it can be a helpful tool. When people are unhappy with their birth it’s generally not because of the specific course it took but rather because they hadn’t anticipated the possibility of...
Ep 220: Amber’s Birth Story - Rushed Through Labor and a Quick Birth
August 15, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 63.1 MBAmber had the picture perfect pregnancy that ended with an emergency induction. Her daughter couldn't tolerate the contractions and her heart rate kept decelerating. The birth almost ended up in a c-section but Amber was determined to at least have the vaginal birth she hoped for. She succeeded in having a vaginal birth but her care team was not very supportive. In fact, they rushed her every step of the way. 99% of the time, the heart rate can drop and your baby will be just fine. Amber sa...
[FAN FAVORITE] What You Need To Know About Labor Induction
August 08, 2023 09:00 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBI'm taking a little time of to reset and recharge so enjoy this fan favorite rebroadcast episode on labor induction! I covered this topic 3 years ago and there is new information in this updated episode. I get a lot of requests to talk about this and I get why. It’s one of those topics that makes a lot of pregnant people nervous. You may have heard horror stories about induction and pitocin. Plus there’s concern about the cascade of interventions or increasing the risk for c-section - so I ...
Ep219: The Real Effect of Hyperemesis And Strategies To Treat It with Kimber MacGibbon of The Hyperemesis Foundation
August 01, 2023 09:00 - 49 minutes - 45 MBIn this episode you’re going to get excellent information and strategies to help with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) from RN Kimber MacGibbon of The Hyperemesis Foundation. Her organization works to dispel the misconception that hyperemesis is a short-lived condition without consequences for the mother or child. After her own experience with HG during two pregnancies, she was shocked to find that her doctor was not willing to help her. It was difficult to find information and resources so she ...
Ep 218: A Step By Step Process On How To Choose a Doula
July 25, 2023 09:00 - 34 minutes - 32 MBI’m sure you’ve heard me say how much I love doulas. Studies show that having a doula can shorten labor, decrease the need for pain medicine, and increase your chances for having a vaginal delivery. They provide physical and emotional support during labor and the postpartum period. But just like any other practitioner, not every doula is going to be the right fit for you. In this episode I’m going to walk you through the process of finding the right support specialist to help you along your...
Ep 217: Kristine’s Birth Story - An Unmedicated Hospital Birth with Premature Rupture of Membranes
July 18, 2023 11:05 - 54 minutes - 49.4 MBKristine had a very positive birth experience. In her words, her pregnancy “wasn’t easy but it wasn’t hard.” It’s good to remember that even though birth is unpredictable, it’s possible to have the experience you want. Kristine hoped for an unmedicated hospital birth and that’s what she got. A birth plan doesn’t come with any guarantees but if you don’t have one it can make getting what you want a lot harder. Multiple people along the way asked Kristine for her plan and that’s great but a l...
Ep 216: What You Need to Know About Pumping with Dr. Dianna Dixon from Pump with Purpose
July 11, 2023 09:00 - 59 minutes - 54.5 MBWhen Dianna had her first baby she felt like no one explained anything about pumping. Hospital staff didn’t tell her about her options, sizing and fit, or even how to do it. Dianna’s own journey led her to found Pump with Purpose, a global lactation private practice for people who want to include pumping in their journey, either exclusively or in addition to nursing. They help the breastfeeding community with common concerns like increasing supply, finding the right pump and flange, and gett...
Ep 215: 11 Must Know Tips to Have the Best Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Experience
July 04, 2023 09:00 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBIn this episode you’re going to learn 11 must-know tips to have the best pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. As you know, I’ve delivered thousands of babies and I’ll be the first to tell you that you can’t predict how any birth will go. The only predictable thing about birth is that it’s unpredictable. BUT….you can absolutely be ready for that unpredictability! I’ve put together a list of tips that everyone having a baby can benefit from. Whether it’s your first or your last, whe...
Ep 214: Jade’s Birth Story - 9 Months of Nausea, 2 Minutes of Pushing
June 27, 2023 11:00 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBA challenging pregnancy doesn’t necessarily mean a difficult birth. Jade had an awful nine months. She experienced nausea, severe pelvic pain, and adverse reactions to medication. Her hope was to have an unmedicated birth but as she struggled with her pregnancy she wondered if she would be able to get through her delivery without assistance. Well, Jade not only had her baby without medication but the birth almost moved too quickly. She barely made it to the bed! There’s so much to learn fro...
Ep 213: Breastfeeding Education with Kelly Kendall, IBCLC, of The Balanced Boob
June 20, 2023 09:00 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MB**This episode is sponsored by The Lactation Network, the largest network of accredited breastfeeding experts in the country. Visit tln.care/AAPB to learn more and schedule your own insurance-covered consultation today! I always say that breastfeeding is a labor of love. It’s rewarding but it can also be extremely challenging. Just because it’s natural, doesn’t mean it’s going to come naturally. That’s where education comes in. Although first-hand experience is valuable, you need someone wi...
Ep 212: What Happens During Labor - A Sneak Peak Inside The Birth Preparation Course!
June 13, 2023 11:00 - 37 minutes - 33.9 MB**This episode is sponsored by The Lactation Network, the largest network of accredited breastfeeding experts in the country. Visit tln.care/AAPB to learn more and schedule your own insurance-covered consultation today! Today you’re getting a special sneak peek inside the Birth Preparation Course! If you’ve been listening for a while, you’ve heard me talk about it. For those who don’t know, it’s my signature online childbirth education class designed to get you calm, confident, and empowere...
Ep 211: Monique’s Birth Story - Prioritizing Peace
June 06, 2023 07:30 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MB**This episode is sponsored by The Lactation Network, the largest network of accredited breastfeeding experts in the country. Visit tln.care/AAPB to learn more and schedule your own insurance-covered consultation today! Monique thought she was going to have a vaginal birth with an epidural. She was scheduled to be induced just after 40 weeks but as it goes with labor, things took a bit of a turn and you’re going to hear about all those twists and turns in today’s birth story episode. Being...
Ep 210: The Freedom to Choose Your Birthing Position with Dr. Rebecca Dekker of Evidence Based Birth
May 30, 2023 08:00 - 53 minutes - 48.9 MB**This episode is sponsored by The Lactation Network, the largest network of accredited breastfeeding experts in the country. Visit tln.care/AAPB to learn more and schedule your own insurance-covered consultation today! Dr. Rebecca Dekker is back! You may remember Dr. Rebecca from way, way back in episode 18. Since then, my work and hers have both grown tremendously. If you enjoy what I’m doing here I think you would also enjoy the resources she provides through her organization, Evidence B...
Ep 209: The Umbilical Cord -What Is It, What Does It Do and What Problems Can Occur
May 23, 2023 08:00 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBThe umbilical cord is truly your baby’s lifeline. It provides a pathway for the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste. After birth the cord is cut and the fetal circulation ends, leaving behind a small stump. And when that stump falls away it makes the belly button, a permanent reminder of the physical connection between you and your baby. In this episode you’re going to learn about what potential problems can happen with the umbilical cord including those diagnosed during pregnancy (mar...
Ep 208: Candace’s Birth Story - Reclaiming Your Birth Story After Obstetric Violence
May 16, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 60.6 MBWhen Candace learned how dangerous it is to be Black and give birth in the US, she started looking for solutions. Using her skills as a professional data scientist, she determined that she would be safest opting for an unmedicated birth at a birthing center. There, the staff was patient, respectful and communicative. But at 39 weeks, after days of prodromal labor, a hospital transfer was necessary. That’s when her whole experience took a dark turn. About 20% of all birth center births wil...
Ep 207: Beauty from the Inside Out with Personal Stylist Anetra Byrd
May 09, 2023 08:00 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MBSociety has always been so judgmental of what mothers “should” wear during pregnancy. But celebrities like Rihanna and Beyoncé are showing off their baby bellies and still looking sexy, proving maternity doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Personal stylist Anetra Byrd is here for a fun episode about what to wear while your body goes through changes. If you saw the pictures from my women’s empowerment talk with Tracee Ellis Ross, you know how talented Anetra is. She styled me for that ev...
Ep206: What Does it Mean to Have an Ectopic Pregnancy?
May 02, 2023 11:00 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBWe’re doing a better job of talking about miscarriage but we don’t necessarily talk a lot about ectopic pregnancy loss. As I explain in the episode, an ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. If that happens, it can be life-threatening and requires medical attention. The emotional impact of an ectopic pregnancy can be the same as a miscarriage. Feelings of sadness, grief, and loss are common. Plus, it’s normal to experie...
Ep 205: Chelsea’s Birth Story - Being Informed and Advocating for Yourself
April 25, 2023 11:00 - 57 minutes - 52.6 MBIt’s a good thing Chelsea is a lawyer because she had to defend herself all through labor. She did a lot of research and was incredibly prepared for her birth. However, when she asked informed questions her doctors were impatient and annoyed instead of giving her the attention she needed. After her water broke, a doctor literally didn't believe her until she saw the ultrasound to prove it. As a Black woman, Chelsea’s biggest fear was dying in childbirth. The way her doctors dismissed her co...
Ep204: Preparing for Your Newborn with Pediatrician and CEO of Newborn Prep Academy Dr. Emeka Obidi
April 18, 2023 09:00 - 53 minutes - 49 MBWhat happens with your newborn in the hospital and at that first doctor's visit after you go home? No really, what happens? Because as an OB/GYN I don’t know. Once mom and baby are separate, the pediatrician takes over! Lol. Today’s guest, Dr. Obidi, is here to fill us in on all of that. He is a board certified pediatrician and the CEO of Newborn Prep Academy, an online newborn preparation course. There is a lot of great advice in this episode for how to get the most out of your visits with...
Ep 203: Maternal and Pregnancy-Related Morbidity and Mortality and What You Can Do About It
April 11, 2023 09:00 - 51 minutes - 47.3 MBThis episode covers a very difficult subject but it’s important for EVERYONE to hear. Pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise in the U.S. and Black women/birthing people are dying at more than twice the rate of their white counterparts. As the richest country in the world, we have the resources to do better and it’s honestly embarrassing. Because it’s Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17), I wanted to focus on racial inequities in care. When controlling for other factors, it comes down ...
Ep202: Charlotte’s Birth Story - Choosing to Have A Miracle Baby
April 04, 2023 07:26 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MBYou’ll definitely want a box of Kleenex for this episode but spoiler: Charlotte’s baby is doing just fine! A very low risk pregnancy became high-risk almost overnight when an irregular scan revealed a heart problem. This very rare condition meant her baby would be born with a partially-formed sternum and an exposed heart. Eventually she delivered her daughter via c-section but before that she had to decide whether to proceed with the pregnancy at all. Termination was a viable option and she...
Ep201: Everything You Wanted to Know About Twins with Perinatologist Dr. Nathan S. Fox
March 28, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBAren’t twins so fascinating? Today we have Dr. Nathan (Nate) Fox here to tell us all about them! He’s a maternal fetal medicine specialist, also known as a high-risk pregnancy doctor or a perinatologist, which is an OB/GYN that works with more complex pregnancies. The truth is a lot of doctors don’t have much training or experience with twins and as a result, you might not get the level of care you need or have all the birth options open to you. You want doctors on your team who know which...
Episode 200 - UPDATED FILE Celebrating 200 Episodes!
March 22, 2023 00:14 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBSorry, the first file was initially cut off. Here's the full episode. Enjoy! __________________ Wow! Can you believe it’s been 200 episodes?! Thank you, thank you, thank you for being on this journey with me. If you had asked me a few years ago if I thought I was going to be a podcaster, I probably would’ve said “What’s a podcast?” I never could’ve imagined having this opportunity to help and serve so many people beyond what I do at the bedside. Whether I realized it or not, I was guided ...
Ep200: Celebrating 200 Episodes!
March 21, 2023 08:00 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBWow! Can you believe it’s been 200 episodes?! Thank you, thank you, thank you for being on this journey with me. If you had asked me a few years ago if I thought I was going to be a podcaster, I probably would’ve said “What’s a podcast?” I never could’ve imagined having this opportunity to help and serve so many people beyond what I do at the bedside. Whether I realized it or not, I was guided along a path here. Thanks to God, the “Universe,” or whatever it may be, I wound up in the right p...