Healing After Birth

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.

The podcast episode explores the role of dads, husbands, and partners in the healing process after birth. It delves into the experiences of Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and her husband, Akinola, as they share their perspectives on parenthood, cultural traditions, and the challenges of postpartum recovery. The conversation covers the unexpected challenges and experiences of childbirth, the recovery process, the importance of seeking help, and the role of community in parenting. It also delves into the significance of education and the impact of fatherhood on personal growth and relationships.

Katie McGinley, founder of Postpamper, discusses the importance of postpartum care and the need for a cultural shift in how society approaches and values it. She highlights the lack of support and resources for new mothers in the US compared to other countries. McGinley shares her vision for Postpamper, a postpartum retreat that provides 24/7 care, nourishing food, concierge services, and access to certified doulas. The retreat aims to create a healing and nurturing experience for families, filling the gap in postpartum support. Post Pamper is a retreat program that focuses on providing postpartum care and support for new parents. The program partners with certified doulas from Doulas of North County to offer 24/7 doula care, including an overnight nursery and on-demand support. Post Pamper has also partnered with Noble House Hotels and Resorts to provide a serene and pampering environment for the retreats. The retreats range from three to seven nights and cater to different family types, including moms, partners, and siblings. The goal of Post Pamper is to empower both parents and change the conversation around postpartum care.

In this conversation, Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole discuss snapback culture and its impact on mothers. They are joined by Princess McKinney Kirk, the CEO of Bellybind and an expert in postpartum care. Princess explains that belly binding is a postpartum ritual that involves wrapping a long piece of fabric around the postpartum womb space to provide support and contour to the body. They discuss the pressure to snap back to pre-pregnancy bodies and emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and self-love. Princess also shares her personal experience with a C-section and how belly binding helped with her recovery. The conversation highlights the need for holistic postpartum care and the benefits of belly binding in supporting healing and well-being.

In this episode of Healing After Birth, hosts Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole sit down with musician Crystal Torres, also known as Crystal the Indigo, who recently gained attention for performing on stage during the Renaissance Tour with Beyoncé while fully pregnant. Crystal shares her journey of motherhood, from her how she used telehealth services, to navigating Fourth Trimester life and parenthood. She discusses her stellar career being mentored by jazz greats like Roy Hargrove, her family's influence, and her path to healing and helping others through her music.

In this episode, Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole discuss the tragic case of Jessica Pettway, a mom and wildly popular beauty influencer whose untimely demise from cervical cancer shook the internet. They are joined by Dr. Nicole Plenty, a double board-certified OBGYN and maternal fetal medicine physician, who sheds light on the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment for women's health, and highlights the need for second and even third opinions.The conversation highlights why the lack of knowledge impacts expectant mothers, unpacks the role maternal fetal medicine plays in high-risk pregnancies, and the challenges faced by Black and brown patients in accessing specialized care. Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of advocating for one's health and the need for healthcare providers to address racial disparities in healthcare. The conversation explores the impact of stress and racism on maternal health, the importance of building trust in the healthcare system, addressing infertility and reproductive health, and debunking myths and misconceptions about maternal health.