In this episode of 'Calm Your Grits,' Joei Allen chats with Aftan Garrett, a passionate maternal health advocate and pageant queen. Aftan shares her personal experiences with infertility, loss, and severe postpartum preeclampsia, which spurred her to advocate for maternal health and women empowerment. She discusses her journey in the Mrs. North Carolina, South Carolina America pageant, the camaraderie among contestants, and her ongoing initiatives including the Promise Walk and creating the Moms are worthy initiatives. The conversation in Mothers, Advocates, and Queens: Interview with Aftan Garrett Part 2, highlights the resilience and inspiring stories of women in the pageant world, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and finding one’s voice.

Mothers, Advocates, and Queens: Interview with Aftan Garrett Part 1

In this episode of the Calm Your Grits podcast, host Joei Allen welcomes Aftan Garrett, a nurse practitioner, mother, and advocate for women's rights and maternal mental health. Aftan shares her personal journey to motherhood, discussing her struggles with infertility, a heartbreaking loss, and her eventual success with IVF treatment. She highlights what it was like dealing with severe postpartum preeclampsia and the critical role of community support. The episode concludes with a preview of the next part, where Aftan will delve into her advocacy work and experiences in pageant life.

Follow Aftan on Instagram at: aftang_np & momsareworthy

HAMU: 

Jillian Marie Beauty & photo - link below

https://www.instagram.com/jillianmariebeauty16?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Disclaimer*** Jillian did the hair, makeup & headshots used for the cover art NOT for the video podcast!!! She’s amazing! Check her out!!!

Healing Together - Laura's Journey of Resilience 

In this episode of Calm Your Grits Podcast, host Joei Allen welcomes her dear friend Laura to share her powerful journey battling postpartum depression. Laura, a mom of three, business owner, and fitness enthusiast, opens up about her experiences with anxiety, depression, and the severe postpartum depression she faced after her pregnancies. They discuss the importance of support systems, recognizing the signs of postpartum depression, and seeking help. This inspiring conversation aims to break the stigma surrounding postpartum depression and provides valuable insights for moms and families going through similar challenges. Tune in to learn, relate, and find solace in knowing you're not alone.

Overcoming Postpartum Depression: A Personal Journey | Calm Your Grits Podcast

Guilt, Grit, and Grace: Overcoming Postpartum Depression and Healing in the Midst of Chaos.The Not-So-Glamorous Side of Postpartum Depression or as its call now, Perinatal mental health disorders aka PMHD. From Pinterest Dreams to Postpartum Realities…

In this episode of Calm Your Grits Podcast, host Joei Allen opens up about her deeply personal and challenging experience with postpartum depression (PPD AKA PMHD) following her fourth pregnancy and the long-awaited birth of her rainbow baby, Lydia. From the overwhelming early days of sleepless nights and intricate feeding schedules that felt would last forever, to the intense emotional struggle. Joei sheds light on the guilt, anxiety, and stress that accompanied her journey, exacerbated by societal pressures and the struggles of motherhood. She emphasizes the importance of mental health, support systems, and the necessity of setting boundaries. Joei also highlights the valuable role her husband and close friends played in her recovery, offering hope and advice to other mothers facing similar struggles. 

Join Joei as she shares insights on managing postpartum depression, motherhood, and the importance of being real and supportive within the community. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking understanding and support during the postpartum period.

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Below are some free resources:

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency contact the national suicide prevention lifeline at 988 via call or text. 

There is also the maternal mental health hotline that is available 24/7 at 833 852 6262

PSI - Postpartum Support International

www.postpartum.net

Specialized Volunteers & Resources: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/specialized-support-resources/

https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/provider-directory/ 

Understanding Postpartum Depression: An In-Depth Discussion with Dr. Judith Thorne

Postpartum Realities: What Every Mom Needs to Know

Special Guest!!!

Dr. Judith Thorne

Psychologist, MA, MS, PsyD

Licensed in: NC SC VA PA MA

Telephone number: (704) 607-7742

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the 'Calm Your Grits Podcast,' host Joei Allen is joined by Dr. Judith Thorne, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in maternal mental health. They discuss the complexities of postpartum depression, differentiating it from baby blues, and explore the various perinatal mental health disorders that can affect new mothers. Dr. Thorne shares her extensive experience and insights into risk factors, treatment options, and the importance of proper education and support for moms. Whether you're a mom, partner, or just looking to understand more about this critical topic, this episode offers valuable information and compassionate guidance.

From Sparkles to Spirit: Joei's Journey Through Faith, Friendship, and Family.

Backstory part 2!

In this episode of the Calm Your Grits podcast, host Joei Allen shares her multifaceted life, from being a 'Pinterest Mom' and diving into pageantry, to her profound experiences with faith and church support at Elevation Church. Joei recounts her poignant journey through multiple pregnancies and miscarriages, her miraculous connection with Dr. Bell, and the eventual birth of her daughter, Lydia. A memorable New York hangover and her eventual recognition of postpartum depression add raw and relatable elements to her story, highlighting her resilience and the importance of support systems. Throughout, Joei's narrative is sprinkled with heartfelt moments, comic relief, and hope.

Navigating Grief and Finding Strength: Joei's Raw Backstory (Part 1)

Tune in as Joei Allen, host of Calm Your Grits podcast, shares her raw and emotional backstory in this first part of a two-episode series. From moving to the Carolinas at 18, dealing with unexpected pregnancies, the loss of her children, and how grief shaped her relationships and personal growth. Joei opens up about the toughest moments in her life, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and the reasons behind her strong advocacy for mental health. This episode promises a heartfelt journey through resilience and finding strength in the midst of chaos and loss.

The Struggles of Starting a Podcast: A Raw and Real Rant...

Join host Joei Allen on the very first episode of the Calm Your Grits podcast. Joei, a self-proclaimed Pinterest Mom, dives headfirst into conversations about her life as a stay-at-home mom, DIY enthusiast, and recent pageant competitor. From tackling the challenges of pageantry to sharing vulnerable moments about postpartum depression, Joei's journey is relatable, inspiring, and sprinkled with humor. Subscribe and follow to hear more about living life passionately and unapologetically.