Very early on in my first pregnancy, I was struck by how confusing it was to have a child. I felt like a number to my healthcare providers, which, let’s be honest, was no fault of their own having to see anywhere from 20 to 30 pregnant women in a day. It seemed like everything from prenatal vitamins to preparing for labor and delivery was a bit “churn and burn” and that any deviation from the norm was a hassle. Now I was a lucky one. I was able to have a magical doula by my side which completely changed the game for me, but I realize that many women out there don’t even know these birth angels exist. Fast forward to my six-week postpartum visit, a tick of approval that my bits were in order, whatever that means to a woman with a “this many days old” baby, and I couldn't help but think, what the heck is going on here? 

In more countries around the world than I can count, post-partum care means that a midwife comes to your home for checks and to make sure that you, the mom, are doing ok. I had more time with a doctor after a carpal tunnel surgery than I did after giving a human life. So what gives? And more importantly, what should we as moms be doing after that six-week visit to take care of ourselves if our broken system won’t do it for us? Let’s find out. 

For this week’s episode, I am thrilled to be joined by Dr. Carissa Halas (Hal-ass) Fioritto, a Naturopathic Physician with Connecticut-based Collaborative Natural Health Partners. Carissa is a mom and she’s also a doctor for moms, working with women who suffer from burnout, stress, digestive disorders, and all the mental and physical aches and pains that come with being a parent. As a naturopathic physician, Carissa helps patients get more energy, sleep better, and tackle everyday mom-related health issues using customized using targeted nutrients, herbal therapies, and IV therapy. 

*Please note that the content on this podcast should not be taken as medical advice and is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare professional for questions regarding your personal circumstances and care.

From mental health and managing relationships to raising changemakers and advocating for support, freemom is a podcast dedicated to ensuring that every mom feels heard. You can find us on the gram at @freemomcast or on the web at www.freemomcast.com. You can also support the show and help fund production with a sweet little five-dollar donation right here. Thanks for listening!