Healing After Birth

In this episode of Healing After Birth, hosts Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole discuss the significance of postpartum nutrition and cultural traditions in maternal health. They are joined by Shafiya M. Monroe, a renowned midwife and author, who shares her insights on the importance of cultural competency in healthcare, traditional birth practices, and the healing power of food. The conversation emphasizes the need for better support for new mothers and the revival of African-American postpartum traditions. This conversation delves into the rich history and legacy of Black midwifery, emphasizing the importance of community support during childbirth, the role of education in midwifery practices, and the cultural shifts that have impacted maternal health. The speakers discuss the need for empowerment through knowledge and intuition, highlighting the significance of understanding one's body and the interconnectedness of health and community.

This week’s Hot Topic explores the topic of play dates and how they have evolved over time. Nana and Marcia discuss their own experiences with play dates as children and how they differ from the play dates their children have today. They speculate that the rise of play dates may be due to increased concerns about child safety and the desire for parents to know who their children are playing with. Nana also shares how she uses play dates as an opportunity to observe other parents' parenting styles and determine if their children are a good fit for her daughter. The guest, Tamara Lynn, discusses her own experiences with play dates as a parent and the challenges of coordinating schedules and finding compatible playmates for her child. She also highlights the importance of community and support from other parents in navigating the parenting journey. Tamara Lynn shares her pregnancy journey and the challenges she faced during the pandemic. She discusses the importance of support and the role of her husband in her healing process. Tamara also opens up about her experience with postpartum anxiety and the intrusive thoughts she had. She emphasizes the need for therapy and professional support in managing anxiety. The conversation touches on the anxieties of motherhood, including concerns about safety, bullying, and school shootings. Tamara Lynn discusses her anxiety as a mother and her fears about raising a daughter in a world where women are mistreated. Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo shares her own experiences and offers support, including the idea of using technology to track her child's whereabouts. They discuss the challenges of motherhood and the importance of giving oneself grace. Tamara emphasizes the need to be curious about her daughter's journey and to separate her own experiences and fears from her daughter's. They also discuss the importance of honoring ancestors and connecting to ancient wisdom.

In this episode of "Healing After Birth," hosts Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole discuss postpartum depression and the role partners play in a new mom's recovery with guest Dr. Jessica S. Lewis, a licensed psychologist, and founder of Becoming the Whole You. The conversation highlights the challenges new mothers face when their partners don't understand or believe the severity of their postpartum struggles. The hosts and Dr. Lewis emphasize the importance of empathy and communication in partnerships during this critical period. They also touch on societal expectations and the need for education and support for both mothers and partners. Dr. Lewis shares her personal experience as a new mom and offers expert insights on trauma-informed care and values-based interventions.

In this episode of Healing After Birth, hosts Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole engage in a deep conversation with Laura Ash, a clinical herbalist, about the intersection of integrative medicine and holistic healing. They explore the coexistence of allopathic and holistic practices, share personal birthing experiences, and discuss the importance of herbal remedies in postpartum healing. Laura shares her journey as a mother and herbalist, emphasizing the significance of community support and self-care for single parents. The episode concludes with practical advice on herbal remedies for new moms and the importance of emotional well-being in parenting.

Healing After Birth hosts Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole delve into parenting, self-discovery and cultural nuances with award-winning journalist Lola Ogunnaike. Sparked by Iyanla Vanzant's admission of being a "terrible mother" but "great father," they explore parenting stress, cultural gender roles, identity shifts, masculine-feminine energies and redefining motherhood. Discussing the intersection of personal growth, professional ambitions, and societal pressures, Lola, whose family and husband hail from Nigeria, shares insights on cultural differences in parenting and gender roles. Nana and Marcia offer relatable anecdotes on balancing protection and nurturing, embracing vulnerability and building resilience. This enriching conversation blends personal narratives, keen observations and cultural analysis, inviting listeners to reassess parenting, identity, and community approaches.

In this episode of Healing After Birth, Chanel Rene, a Certified Lactation Education Consultant, joins Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole to discuss the importance of breastfeeding support and education, particularly for Black mothers. Chanel shares her journey to providing this type of support for new mothers and how she creates a safe space in her practice by championing evidence-based research. Chanel also gets candid about her own breastfeeding journey--one that ended five years after her son was born.

The conversation discusses the 'Black Wife Effect' trend on TikTok, where non-Black men showcase how their lives have changed after marrying Black women. The hosts share their own experiences of transforming their partners' style and appearance. The guest, Dr. Tyrha M. Lindsey-Warren, talks about her journey to motherhood, including her struggles with infertility and the challenges she faced during pregnancy and childbirth. She emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself in the healthcare system. The conversation also touches on the fourth trimester and the ongoing challenges of motherhood. In this conversation, Dr. Tyrha M. Lindsey-Warren shares her personal experience of the fourth trimester and the challenges she faced as a new mother. She discusses the physical and emotional toll of childbirth, the importance of self-care and healing, and the lack of support and understanding in the workplace. Dr. Lindsey-Warren emphasizes the need for women to advocate for themselves and prioritize their well-being during this transformative period. She also highlights the power of journaling as a tool for processing emotions and finding catharsis. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the often overlooked aspects of the postpartum journey and encourages women to embrace their own unique experiences.

Summary

The conversation revolves around the controversial commencement speech given by Harrison Butker, the field goal kicker of the Kansas City Chiefs, in which he emphasized the role of women as homemakers. The hosts and guest discuss the guilt and conflict that many women feel when balancing motherhood and career. They share personal experiences and highlight the importance of supportive spouses and breaking gender stereotypes. The conversation also touches on the historical context of women's roles and the need for a more inclusive and accommodating workforce. The conversation explores the challenges faced by working mothers and the need for a shift in corporate culture to support family ecosystems. The hosts discuss the disconnect between financial success and family relationships. They also touch on the balance between work and family life, the pressure to start businesses, and the high costs of childcare. The conversation then transitions to Kendra Bracken-Ferguson's book and her journey as an entrepreneur and mother. She shares her birth experience and the importance of setting non-negotiables and knowing when to pivot. In this conversation, Kendra Bracken-Ferguson shares her experiences of motherhood, including her journey through pre-eclampsia and post-eclampsia. She discusses the challenges of balancing work and motherhood, the importance of self-care, and the evolving dynamics of parenting as her child grows. Kendra emphasizes the need for flexibility and adaptability in motherhood and the importance of taking time for oneself. The conversation also touches on the support system needed during the postpartum period and the challenges faced by Black women in maternal health.

In this episode of Healing After Birth, Nana Eyeson Akiwowo and Marcia Cole welcome Stephanie Sauer Pasternak, a compassionate Doula and Lactation Counselor, based in Bergen County, New Jersey. Stephanie shares her expertise on the importance of holistic support during the postpartum period, highlighting the benefits of doula care and lactation guidance. She discusses how her unique approach, combining physical, emotional, and spiritual support, empowers mothers to navigate the challenges of new motherhood. Tune in to learn more about creating a supportive environment for a transformative postpartum experience.

The conversation explores the topic of postpartum care and healing, focusing on the use of flower essences and elixirs. It delves into the historical and cultural significance of these practices, as well as the importance of self-care and support for women during the postpartum period. The conversation also highlights the need for honest and open discussions about the challenges and experiences of motherhood, particularly in marginalized communities. The conversation delves into the importance of self-care and healing after birth, emphasizing the need for rest, vulnerability, and support. It also explores the significance of flower essences in postpartum recovery and the impact of birth experiences on a woman's psyche. The conversation highlights the value of understanding one's birth story and the need for positive birthing narratives.