Caribbean Birth Stories

Have you ever felt like you just didn't know what was the next step on your journey?  Today's guest, Candace Guppy-Sobion, shares that unforgettable moment when God shared His plan with her.

A fellow Trinbagonian, Candace is well-known for her career endeavors in party and travel planning as director of Candy Coated Experiences, but nothing could have prepared her for her greatest adventure to date.

Interested in connecting with Candace? See her contact details:

Candace Guppy Sobion Creative Director Candy Coated Experiences Limited www.CandyCoatedExperiences.com

For more information on the "Mommy Bag" check out www.theamaishop.com 

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Today’s guest, Korena Darnelle, is a native of one of the most influential island developing states in our region, Barbados.  Korena is a singer, writer, birth and lifestyle photographer and a fellow podcaster.  Korena is one of two Caribbean women I’ve interviewed this season who have so masterfully scripted their experiences of pregnancy and birth.

Listen as she gives us a tease of what's in store in her publication: Gimme a Home Birth: The Birth Story I Didn't Expect.

Hi guys! It’s the second part of Amoy’s story and I can’t wait for you to have a listen.  We hear how giving birth has changed her outlook on life, yes, I promise you, it’s not all a bed of roses. She’s open about her challenges with breastfeeding and not giving up despite not finding the kind of support she would have expected from traditional medicine. 

If you’re a new mom struggling with breastfeeding Amoy gives some invaluable tips on what to look out for even when you seem to be doing all the right things but still experiencing pain. Amoy also describes how she continues to power through emotions of extreme joy with the birth of her son, while experiencing tremendous grief with the loss of her mother.

Interested in working with Amoy, see her details below:

Website: https://wombcareclinic.ca/

Instagram: @wombcareclinic  or @wombhealthstudy

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Welcome back! The format of today’s episode is different in that my guest, Amoy Jacques, is actually pregnant at the time of this recording.  So, for the first time on Caribbean Birth Stories we get to hear from a pregnant woman about her expectations, fears, anxieties just before she gives birth.  In addition, Amoy’s journey to pregnancy was not a smooth one and we both hope her story offers optimism to the listener who may also be having a difficult time trying to conceive.

Interested in working with Amoy, see her details below:

Website: https://wombcareclinic.ca/

Instagram: @wombcareclinic

Email: [email protected]

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It is with great pleasure I introduce today’s guest, Dr. Shari-Ann James, licensed Psychologist and certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional.  It was vital that I include Dr. James on season 3 because it has become abundantly clear that our mental health as parents, women, mothers, daughters has been stretched compounded by a global pandemic.  Dr. James shares some practical tools that can be used immediately to help calm the storm of our thoughts, I mean she literally demonstrates one mindfulness technique that’s quick and I personally found helpful.

1 in 8 couples experience some fertility challenges, yet many feel quite alone when faced with such a diagnosis. Dr. James talks us through the emotions associated with infertility, one such feeling is that of losing your sense of control, hear how she suggests this particular feeling can be addressed.

We also cover:

• What perinatal mental health looks like?
• Tips for perinatal self-care
• Creating a space where you can be open and honest with your significant other
• Considerations for reproductive options, inclusive of third-party reproduction
• When should someone get help for postpartum anxiety, rage and depression?
• Have you ever heard of a postpartum plan/checklist? Dr. James delves into this critical tool that can be used as a preventative measure for the 4th

Here are a few of her recommended books:

The infertility workbook by Barbara Blitzer

Conquering infertility by Dr. Alice Domar

At a loss by Donna Rothert

Interested in working with Dr. Shari-Ann H. James, see her details below:

Perinatal Wellness & Psychological Services

http://www.perinatalwellness.net

http://thewellnesspod.libsyn.com

http://pinterest.com/drshariannjames

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So much has changed since I recorded this episode. At the time of recording, Kieron Pollard held the prestigious position of Windies T20 and One-day cricket captain.  However, on April 20th 2022, Polly (as he is affectionately called by many West Indian fans) announced his retirement from international cricket.  Well that one hit me for 6! Pun intended

That announcement made my interview with him even more meaningful as we explored the significance of becoming a father and making difficult decisions that impacted his family.

We also discussed contractual obligations vs parental obligations and the impact of setting a positive foundation for his children. 

Polly acknowledges the mammoth task that his wife Jenna has played in his life and that of their children and recognizes that he probably wouldn’t have made such tremendous strides in his career without her support.

Of course, we had a bit of fun “in the nets” to end off. Hope you enjoy

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When was the last time you met someone and it felt like you knew them for a lifetime?  Well that pretty much sums up my chat with Lisa...easy, engaging and informative!  

Lisa is an award-winning TV broadcaster & reporter who currently works as the host for ‘Taste the Islands’, an international culinary adventure show streaming on Amazon Prime TV. She is also entering her 12th season as the host of ‘School Duel’ a premier high school academic game show in South Florida. As a TV host and On-air personality, Lisa has most notably served as the in-arena reporter for the Miami Heat’s HEATV. She was also featured as Miami’s top 40 under 40 leaders of tomorrow in Legacy Magazine. Lisa recently started her own PR company called the LA PR firm.

Interested in working with Lisa, see her details:

www.thelaprfirm.com

[email protected] 

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My guest, Jihan Williams, takes us on an emotional journey, describing in crystal clear terms her initial struggle with infertility and the associated challenges when there is no explanation.

"What's wrong with me now?" leads to an unexpected answer. Unfortunately, this story, doesn't follow a familiar trajectory.

Jihan is straightforward in acknowledging that there is nothing you can say to a woman who has recently suffered a loss to make her feel better, but you can certainly make her feel worse.  Hear how she suggests this sensitive matter be addressed.

Grab your copy of Jihan's book on Amazon:

Buy Here!

Jihan's song choice: "Tasha Page Lockart" - Why not me.

How to get in touch with Jihan:

Web: www.jihanwilliams.com

Instagram: @jihanawilliams

Facebook: @Jihan A. Williams

Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

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Today’s episode is the second part of my fiery chat with Daniella, Kiola and Naette.  If you haven’t yet listened to part one, please check out episode 22 before listening to this one.  These three ladies discuss the sacrifices that they have made in their lives, with a major one being not residing in their place of birth, yet they’ve been able to find joy and peace as they navigate parenthood.

 

Here are the beautiful songs mentioned by the ladies:

 

“Before the Day Star” by Kobo Town: https://youtu.be/I1Qfjh3QuNs

“Space for a Heart” by Freetown Collective: https://youtu.be/OP33d8xM2fs

“Keep the Beat” by Lin-Manuel Miranda & Ynairaly Simo from the movie Vivo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnNM4C3i_V8&authuser=0

“Not an easy road” by Buju Banton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I02Kd_FIklg

 

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Today’s episode felt like a stroll down the famous, some may say infamous, Frederick Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago.  It had been a while since I last chatted amongst a group of Trinbagonians, even if it was virtually, the banter was so invigorating that the energy was palpable, listen and tell me if you felt it too.  This fireside, sometimes bonfire, chat was centered around the fact that we are all raising a child (or children) outside of the Caribbean, and in many ways, I don’t think any of us thought this would be our reality. Today is Part 1 of a 2-part episode exploring the complexities of emigration, cultural preservation and assimilation all while traversing the journey that is motherhood.  Naette, Daniella and Kiola are transparent about their experiences and offer unique opinions on how they’re managing the delicate issues associated with some of the most challenging life transitions any person can face.

This one is for you my fellow Diasporan parent!