Healing After Birth

Can magnets, meridians, and Reiki really replace Botox after birth? In this episode of Healing After Birth, we sit down with Anais Zambrano, an Arizona-based licensed esthetician and founder of Solesthetics, to explore how energy-based treatments can help new moms to reduce inflammation, restore radiance, and reconnect with their bodies—no needles or toxins required.

Anais breaks down the science and soul behind her signature Chi Beauty facial, a holistic treatment using 24K gold micro-magnets to connect with energy-balancing meridian points to give new moms the respite they seek.

From postpartum lymphatic drainage to rituals that spark inner healing, this conversation is part beauty deep dive, part healing masterclass.

Whether you're years past birth or still bleeding, this episode proves: it's never too late to put yourself—and your glow—first.

In this episode of Healing After Birth, we speak with Nadia Mondesir, New York State Coordinator for Mocha Moms, about her powerful journey from solo immigrant to community leader. Four years into motherhood—and still feeling isolated in a new town—Nadia’s search for support ended when she discovered the Westchester chapter of Mocha Moms. What began as a quest for connection became a calling to serve.

Nadia opens up about the trauma of nearly losing her newborn at just 17 days old, how that experience shaped her parenting, and why trusting her maternal instincts became her greatest strength. From building chosen family to advocating for moms across the state, Nadia reminds us that healing begins with community—and that no mother should have to navigate it all alone.

In this episode of *Healing After Birth*, hosts Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole explore the multifaceted journey of motherhood, health, and the societal forces that shape them. Through personal stories and candid reflections, they examine government policies impacting family planning and compare healthcare systems around the world. The hosts also highlight the crucial role of trust in medical professionals during childbirth and shed light on the ongoing challenges mothers face in protecting their health and wellness.

In this candid and sharply witty episode of Healing After Birth, Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole dive into three hot-button topics that hit at the heart of modern motherhood. First, they unpack the rise in births among women over 40 and the sharp decline in teen pregnancies, asking: is motherhood over 40 the new norm—and are we prepared for the perimenopause overlap? Next, they dig into a viral post about moms on their phones at the playground, sparking a no-holds-barred conversation on multitasking, mom guilt, and the double standards between mothers and fathers. Finally, they show real concern over the WHO guidelines recommending cow’s milk for infants under six months—raising questions about gut health, lactose intolerance in Black babies, and the cow lobby's suspiciously strong PR game. Full of laughs, truth bombs, and side-eye-worthy stats, this episode is a must-listen for every mom navigating judgment, data, and diapers.

Pregnancy can bring a radiant glow—or unexpected skin struggles. In this episode, we sit down with skincare expert Aliesh Pierce to break down what really happens to your skin during pregnancy and postpartum. From hormonal acne and melasma to pregnancy-safe treatments and at-home remedies, Aliesh shares expert insights on keeping your skin healthy without compromising your safety. Whether you're wondering which ingredients to avoid, how to get that elusive glow, or what professional treatments are actually safe, this conversation is packed with practical solutions to help you feel confident in your skin—before, during, and after pregnancy.

Before she became “The Good Doctor,” Dr. LaJoyce Brookshire helped shape pop culture behind the scenes—repping icons like Whitney Houston, TLC, and Diddy at the height of hip hop and RB’s golden era. But after a fibroid diagnosis, a late-stage pregnancy, a C-section, and the raw realities of postpartum recovery, she made a pivotal decision to embrace her passion for holistic health full-time. In this powerful episode, Dr. Brookshire shares how she used natural medicine, fierce discipline, and spiritual grounding to not just survive pregnancy and birth—but thrive afterward. From C-sections and postpartum recovery to career pivots and kitchen cleanouts, she reveals what it really takes to heal your body—and your life—on your own terms.

In this deeply personal and powerful episode of Healing After Birth, hosts Marcia Cole and Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo dig into the recently released 2025 Maternal Mental Health State Report Card and ask: why is mediocrity the standard in a country with so many resources?

Joined by the remarkable founders of the Black Girls Mental Health Collective—Dr. Jaih Craddock, Breea Wainwright, and Dr. Chyna Hill—this episode explores the invisible wounds of the postpartum experience: from maternal rage and sleep deprivation to the generational trauma of being forced to “do it all” alone.

Through their own raw stories and expertise, these women dismantle myths, explain the science behind somatic mental health symptoms, and share how culturally attuned care is saving lives. Whether you’re a mom, a policymaker, or part of someone’s village, this is a must-listen conversation about reclaiming agency, rebuilding systems, and reminding moms: you don’t have to do this alone.

Why did Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, making a fruit bowl become a media scandal? In this episode of Healing After Birth, Marcia and Nana unpack the odd outrage over Meghan’s new Netflix series—and what it reveals about society’s discomfort with women choosing peace and pleasure. The conversation also takes on toxic positivity in motherhood, the politics of grief, and how Black women are constantly told who they’re allowed to be. This episode is a layered, liberating reminder that choosing presence, beauty, and purpose—especially after birth—is not a privilege. It’s a birthright.

In this heart-opening episode of Healing After Birth, we sit down with Meyer Krah — Navy veteran, father of five, and host of Here 4 the Dads — to talk about the birth experience that changed his entire perspective on fatherhood, partnership, and marriage.

Although he was already a father, it wasn’t until his fourth child was born that Meyer chose to witness the moment up close. What he saw in that delivery room shifted everything. From a deeper appreciation of his wife to a renewed sense of purpose, that experience became the catalyst for launching Here 4 the Dads — a platform dedicated to helping fathers show up more fully, intentionally, and informed during pregnancy, in the delivery roo, and after birth.

Meyer opens up about:

Why he didn’t attend the births of his first three children

How culture and military life shaped (and limited) his early fatherhood experience

The power of nesting parties over baby showers

The unseen mental load carried by moms — and how dads can step up

Why supporting fathers is essential to building stronger families

Whether you’re a dad, a mom, or building your village from scratch, this conversation is a reminder that healing after birth isn’t just for mothers — it’s for families.

In this Hot Topics episode of Healing After Birth, hosts Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole delve into the public's reaction to Meghan Markle's new Netflix show, discussing the societal backlash against her portrayal of a 'soft life' and the microaggressions she faces. They also explore the concept of toxic positivity in motherhood, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging negative emotions and the impact of societal expectations on women's experiences. In this conversation, Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole explore the importance of emotional awareness and expression, particularly in the context of mental health challenges faced in today's society. They discuss the need for individuals to feel their emotions fully and the impact of societal pressures on emotional expression. The conversation also delves into the concept of mental siege, highlighting the challenges of maintaining positivity amidst chaos. Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of accountability in politics and community engagement, urging listeners to actively participate in holding elected officials accountable for their actions. The discussion concludes with a light-hearted note on finding joy in everyday life, despite the surrounding challenges.