P.S. Blossom

By Blossom

P.S. Blossom is a podcast series focused on empowering all women, especially Black, Indigenous, and other Women of Color, to advocate for their health care, their way. This series explores issues of r... more

· Health & Fitness

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FAQs about P.S. Blossom:

How many episodes does P.S. Blossom have?

The podcast currently has 49 episodes available.

P.S. Blossom episodes:

September 19, 2023S2 Ep 18: Exploring the Role of a Full-Spectrum Doula with Raven Dorsey (Part 1)
Welcome to P.S. Blossom, powered by Rhia Ventures!
“Being a Doula is literally serving, attending to all the different things that come up during the labor, birth process, postpartum, abortion; so all the things. All of those life-beginning or ending processes, serving all those aspects of it.” — Raven Dorsey.
In Exploring the Role of a Full-Spectrum Doula (Part 1), we speak with Raven Dorsey, the Former Deputy Director of Engagement at Paid Leave for All and a Full-Spectrum Doula. Raven explains what a Full-Spectrum Doula is, what postpartum care entails, and how she supports mothers in overcoming the challenging moments in this period to regain a sense of self.
Raven sheds light on the value of creating a pregnancy and postpartum plan, establishing your resources and the members of your village, and how a doula can empower you in your birth and postpartum period. Join us for this enlightening and empowering conversation about the benefits of working with a Doula!

Key Points From This Episode:
An introduction to today’s guest Raven Dorsey.
How she balances her work as both an advocate and a Doula, and why she decided to do both.
Raven’s transition from labor and advocacy work to postpartum work.
How long the postpartum period lasts after birth.
Why your first poop after you have a baby can be so unpleasant.
Other things that take new mothers by surprise.
The value of creating a pregnancy and postpartum plan and establishing your resources and the members of your village.
At what point Raven, as a Full-Spectrum Doula, enters the process.
The different types of doulas that people can work with.
How Raven’s experiences with births at home, in birth centers, and in hospitals differ.
Where people can get the best information and support to start planning their births.
The difference between a Midwife and a Doula.
How Doulas empower mothers to tune into their intuition and trust their choices.
What free births are and Raven’s thoughts on them.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Follow Raven Dorsey:

LinkedIn: Raven Dorsey

Instagram: ravenmdorsey

Paid Leave for All: Paid Leave for All

IG: @ps_blossom

Twitter: @PS_Blossom
Click here to learn more about P.S. Blossom!
...more
35min
May 02, 2023S2 Ep 17: Any Reason Is a Good Enough Reason to Access Abortion with Erika Seth Davies
**TRIGGER WARNING:** Abortion

Welcome to P.S. Blossom, powered by Rhia Ventures!

“You don't have to have a traumatic, devastating moment in your life to decide, ‘I'm not ready to have a child.’ That framing seems so harmful to me because it's simply a choice.” — Erika Seth Davies

In Any Reason Is a Good Enough Reason to Access Abortion, we speak with Erika Seth Davies (she/her) at Rhia Ventures about her abortion story and how having reproductive rights and access to abortion care set the stage for her (and her future children’s) life. She opens up about her feelings around her decision and explains how her choice ultimately made her a better parent.

Erika’s work has always been focused on racial justice, which extends to reproductive justice for black women in particular. Join us for this vulnerable yet inspiring conversation about the importance of bodily autonomy and making the right decisions for yourself, guilt-free!

Key Points From This Episode:
An introduction Erika Seth Davies, CEO of Rhia Ventures.

How her access to abortion care set the stage for her (and her future children’s) life.

The stigma and shame surrounding abortion.

Erika’s feelings around her decision and the support she had.

Why she chose to share her story on the podcast.

Erika shares her abortion story. [07:08 - 8:58]

What informed her decision to carry her second pregnancy to term.

How her choice made her a better parent.

Why she feels it’s important to communicate bodily autonomy to her children.

How her work at Rhia Ventures has empowered her.

The racial justice work she was involved in prior to becoming the CEO of Rhia Ventures.

What she learned during her time in West Africa.

How the historical oppression of the physical bodies of black women plays out today.

Erika’s advice to push, know, and trust yourself and your decisions.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Follow Erika Seth Davies:
LinkedIn: Erika Seth Davies
Rhia Ventures
IG: @ps_blossom
Twitter: @PS_Blossom
Click here to learn more about P.S. Blossom!
...more
17min
April 25, 2023S2 Ep 16: Our Family's Fabric: The Patient Perspective with Dr. Alice Zheng
**TRIGGER WARNING: ** Abortion and Fetal Anomaly

Welcome to P.S. Blossom, powered by Rhia Ventures!

“The best advice someone gave to me was to be kind to yourself. Make the decision with your partner. Make a decision together, and then forgive yourself for that decision.” — Alice Zheng

In Our Family's Fabric: The Patient Perspective, Alice Zheng (she/her) at RH Capital speaks about her unique perspective on abortion, drawn from her experience personally and as a clinician. She shares her late-stage abortion experience (close to 24 weeks) after discovering her child had congenital birth defects.

We celebrate you dictating life on your terms this month and every month. You and your lived experiences are enough. Join us for this eye-opening first-hand account filled with powerful practical insights for clinicians and those grappling with baby loss!

Key Points From This Episode:
An introduction to today’s guest, Alice Zheng.

Her personal experience with abortion and women’s health in a clinical context.

The story of her terminated pregnancy as a result of a failed embryo transfer.

Details of the decision-making process following the potential diagnosis of a brain condition.

How Alice’s medical training affected her experience.

Recognizing the privilege of support.

Alice’s partner’s role in the decision-making process.

What it was like to experience loss for the first time for Alice and her partner.

The added layer of complexity to the decision due to the condition’s compatibility with life.

What Alice considers the best piece of advice she received: be kind to yourself.

The turbulent days leading up to making a final decision.

Choosing between two procedure options.

Discovering the lack of clinic options for late-term termination.

Alice and her partner’s experience leading up to the procedure and thereafter.

How her medical training empowered her process.

What surprised her about the process as a practitioner.

Why her clinical knowledge was largely irrelevant to her emotional processing.

How the Chinese cultural concept of postpartum recovery applies to losses and terminations.

Recovering from the process.

The challenge of being with friends having pregnancies and babies.

The advice she received to have an ambassador to advocate socially on her behalf.

Long and short-term grief.

Why she chose to give her baby a name.

The power of sharing your experience with others.

Resources such as Ending a Wanted Pregnancy where Alice found support.

How the support of a grief counselor helped.

Successful pregnancies following the loss of Aiden.

The analogy of grief as a ball of yarn in a growing box.

How her personal experience has influenced her work in women’s health.

Summarizing her journey.

Thoughts on healing and grief.

A reminder for listeners who can relate: you are not alone.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Follow Alice Zheng: LinkedIn: Alice Zheng
RH Capital Ending a Wanted Pregnancy
Dr. Pascale Vermont
Surviving the Unimaginable
The Vagina Monologues
IG: @ps_blossom
Twitter: @PS_Blossom
Click here to learn more about P.S. Blossom!
...more
39min
April 18, 2023S2 Ep 15: Increasing Access to Safe, Affordable, and Compassionate Abortion Care with Dr. Nikia Grayson and Dr. Melissa Madera (Part 2)
According to the World Health Organization, abortion is an essential component of comprehensive healthcare, but access in the US is increasingly restricted in the wake of Roe v. Wade being overturned which allows individual states to independently decide on the legal parameters concerning abortion care. In the second episode of this two-part series on P.S. Blossom, we are joined by reproductive-justice-informed midwife Dr. Nikia Grayson and Dr. Melissa Madera a.k.a. The Abortion Diarist to dispel some common myths about abortion and discuss the crucial importance of access to quality abortion care for all people, regardless of age, race, or class. Tuning in, you’ll find out how investing in comprehensive reproductive health education relates to abortion care and why a happy and healthy sex life is not just about the absence of disease. We also unpack how Black midwifery is reimagining healthcare provision in the south and the vision behind CHOICES Clinic, Project SANA, and other organizations that are trying to break as many barriers as possible. Finally, Dr. Grayson and Dr. Madera share a wealth of resources and information for those who require financial aid or practical support as they seek the life-affirming abortion care that should be available to everyone. Tune in today for all this and more!

Key Points From This Episode:
Dispelling some of the common myths and misconceptions about abortion.

The importance of investing in comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services.

Why state-mandated abstinence-based education programs are harmful to young people.

Sex-positive healthcare providers and the role of consent in gynecological exams.

Training practitioners from a reproductive justice standpoint.

A big-picture overview of what Roe v. Wade means for abortion access across the country.

The vision behind CHOICES, a full-spectrum sexual and reproductive healthcare clinic.

Restoring Black midwifery in our communities and reimagining healthcare provision.

What Project SANA is doing to expand knowledge about self-managed abortions.

Tips for accessing abortion pills and telehealth support, no matter what state you’re in.

Go-to resources for information, logistics, and financial aid.

Why it’s important to humanize abortion and create spaces to listen and learn in.

How Dr. Grayson and Dr. Madera are using their power to make a difference.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Dr. Nikia Grayson on LinkedIn
Dr. Nikia Grayson on Twitter
Dr. Nikia Grayson on Instagram
CHOICES Clinic
Dr. Melissa Madera
Dr. Melissa Madera on Twitter
Dr. Melissa Madera on Instagram
Project SANA
Choix Clinic
The Abortion Diary
The Abortion Diary Podcast
AidAccess.org
Plan C
National Network of Abortion Funds
ARC Southeast
Chicago Abortion Fund
SisterReach
Midwest Access Coalition
Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline
Rhia Ventures
P.S. Blossom on Instagram
...more
41min
April 11, 2023S2 Ep 14: Increasing Access to Safe, Affordable, and Compassionate Abortion Care with Dr. Nikia Grayson and Dr. Melissa Madera (Part 1)
Access to abortion care in the US is increasingly out of reach, thanks to restrictive state laws that target people seeking abortions and their healthcare providers. These barriers to access perpetuate reproductive health inequities, and adolescents, BIPOC, those with lower incomes, and those who have to travel to receive care often face the disproportionate effects of these restrictions. In this two-part series on P.S. Blossom, we are joined by reproductive-justice-informed midwife Dr. Nikia Grayson and Dr. Melissa Madera (a.k.a. The Abortion Diarist) to discuss the crucial importance of access to quality abortion care for all people, regardless of age, race, or class. Dr. Grayson and Dr. Madera walk us through the current state of abortion access in the US, the progress that needs to be made, and what they are doing to help people access the sexual and reproductive healthcare they need. We also take a look at the importance of creating life-affirming communities for those who have had abortions, resources that should be available to patients both pre- and post-procedure, how we can best support young people seeking abortions, and more. Be sure to tune in for a candid and informative discussion about increasing access to safe, affordable, and compassionate abortion care!

Key Points From This Episode:
An overview of the important work that Dr. Grayson and Dr. Madera are doing.

Religious attitudes about sex and abortion that our guests were exposed to growing up.

Why it’s important to talk about sexual health, bodily autonomy, consent, and pleasure.
Dr. Grayson offers insight into the different types of abortion procedures available.

Some of the physical, mental, and emotional effects of having an abortion.

The value of honoring every experience of abortion and creating life-affirming communities.

Resources that should be offered to abortion patients (including compassion).

Access to abortion care for minors who aren’t able to garner parental consent.

Details about payment, insurance coverage, and more.

Information that Dr. Madera wishes she had access to when she had an abortion at 17.

A look at the impact of abortion on family members and others.

The kinds of support that young people need when seeking an abortion.

Everything you need to know about abortion later in pregnancy.

Myths, misinformation, and why Dr. Madera believes technology is a double-edged sword.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Dr. Nikia Grayson on LinkedIn
Dr. Nikia Grayson on Twitter
Dr. Nikia Grayson on Instagram
Dr. Melissa Madera
Dr. Melissa Madera on Twitter
Dr. Melissa Madera on Instagram
Project SANA
Choix Clinic
The Abortion Diary
The Abortion Diary Podcast
Rhia Ventures
P.S. Blossom on Instagram
...more
46min
March 28, 2023S2 Ep 13: Where Mom is Served Wholly (Part 2)
Welcome to the P.S. Blossom powered by Rhia Ventures!

"I think a life of prosperity begins with a successful early start and making sure that we're birthing our babies into a set of circumstances and scenarios that allow babies to become thriving, contributing, and healthy individuals." – Maya Hardigan
In Where Mom is Served Wholly (Part 2), we continue speaking with Maya Hardigan (she/her), Founder & CEO of Mae, a maternal digital health platform. Maya's lived experiences as a Black woman, mother, and leader have uniquely positioned her to launch and lead her startup to reduce maternal health disparities for Black women. She talks about the disparities that lead to maternal and pediatric deaths.

Join us for this revealing conversation on the power of voice and support!

Key Points From This Episode:
The role technology can play in maternal health and health equity.

How a pregnant person can access digital care through Mae at limited or zero cost.

Patient privacy and confidentiality at Mae, particularly in light of the Dobbs decision.

Cultural competency as a buzzword versus a lived value for healthcare entities.

What equitable care that supports people of color throughout their perinatal period looks like.

Reasons for high disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality.

Shifting harmful narratives about those on Medicaid and maternal morbidity and mortality.

What companies need to do to support Black mothers in the maternal health space.

Community, reproductive justice, or birth justice organizations companies can partner with.

Three go-to resources Maya recommends and how to find out more about Mae.

How Maya uses her power to make a difference and the type of impact hopes to have.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Follow Maya Hardigan @‌maehealthinc
IG: @ps_blossom
Twitter: @PS_Blossom
Click here to learn more about P.S. Blossom!
...more
30min
March 21, 2023S2 Ep 12: Where Mom is Served Wholly (Part 1)
Welcome to P.S. Blossom, powered by Rhia Ventures!

"I think a life of prosperity begins with a successful early start and making sure that we're birthing our babies into a set of circumstances and scenarios that allow babies to become thriving, contributing, and healthy individuals." – Maya Hardigan

In Where Mom is Served Wholly (Part 1), we speak with Maya Hardigan (she/her), Founder & CEO of Mae, a maternal digital health platform. Maya's lived experiences as a Black woman, mother, and leader uniquely positioned her to launch and lead her startup to reduce maternal health disparities for Black women. She shares the importance of giving moms a trusted partner and community to talk with during pregnancy and postpartum.

Join us for this enlightening conversation on advocating for self and support!

Key Points From This Episode:
An introduction to Maya Hardigan and what led her into the field of maternal health.

What Mae is and what led Maya to create this particular digital platform.

The doula component to Mae and how they promote the use of doulas.

How Mae navigates the mission-aligned work that it does and the financial model that it uses.

The type of support expectant mothers need during pregnancy and how Mae serves them.

What role Mae plays in creating an idyllic birth experience in its community of users.

The support provided during the postpartum period.

What integrated care is and how it can aid in the quality of care throughout pregnancy.

How Mae supports integrated care in Black maternal health.

Thoughts on alternative birth settings: hospital versus home.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Follow Maya Hardigan @‌maehealthinc
IG: @ps_blossom
Twitter: @PS_Blossom
Click here to learn more about P.S. Blossom!
...more
27min
March 09, 2023 S2 Ep 11: The Foremothers & Midwifery Traditions (Part 2)
Welcome to the P.S. Blossom powered by Rhia Ventures!

In The Foremothers & Midwifery Traditions (Part 2), we continue the discussion with Aza Nedhari (she/her), a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) and, Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC), about pregnancy, consent, the perinatal period, and visibility. Owner of Blue Sage Midwifery and Co-Founder of Mamatoto Village, Aza provides key resources and shares how she's using her knowledge, experience, and power to make a difference.

Join us for the continuation of this enlightening conversation on the perinatal period and midwifery!

Follow Aza Nedhari @mamatotovillage
IG: @ps_blossom
Twitter: @PS_Blossom
Click here to learn more about Narrative Change and P.S. Blossom!
...more
21min
March 02, 2023 S2 Ep 10: The Foremothers & Midwifery Traditions (Part 1)
Welcome to the P.S. Blossom powered by Rhia Ventures!

In The Foremothers & Midwifery Traditions (Part 1), we speak with Aza Nedhari (she/her), a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) and, Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC), about pregnancy, holistic approaches, the perinatal period, and visibility. Owner of Blue Sage Midwifery and Co-Founder of Mamatoto Village, Aza shares her story of how her role in her Godmother’s delivery of a baby in a snowstorm and the births of her children inspired her to venture into this field.

Join us for this enlightening conversation on becoming a midwife and all things midwifery!

Follow Aza Nedhari @mamatotovillage
IG: @ps_blossom
Twitter: @PS_Blossom
Click here to learn more about Narrative Change and P.S. Blossom!
...more
25min
February 16, 2023 S2 Ep 9: Empowerment and Joy through Self-Pleasure
Welcome to the P.S. Blossom powered by Rhia Ventures!

In Empowerment and Joy through Self Pleasure, Krista White (she/her) believes in pleasure and the divine joy of love and connection, which motivated her to create the app, Kiki for the Future. Tune in to hear Krista’s story, and insights on sex education, masturbation, desire, and performance. Learn about the practices she hopes to embrace in her life today, with the primary goal of living joyfully. Join us for an inspiring and empowering episode with today’s amazing guest.

Follow: Krista White
IG: @ps_blossom
Twitter: @PS_Blossom
Click here to learn more about Narrative Change and P.S. Blossom!
...more
15min

FAQs about P.S. Blossom:

How many episodes does P.S. Blossom have?

The podcast currently has 49 episodes available.