In this compelling episode of the Shades of Motherhood Network Real Talk, your host Stephanie Courtney sits down with Dr. Joy DeGruy, a renowned expert on historical trauma and post-traumatic slave syndrome. 

Dr. DeGruy shares her insights into the deep-seated trauma experienced by A communities as a result of centuries of enslavement and systemic oppression. Drawing from her research and personal experiences, Dr. DeGruy discusses the necessity of acknowledging and understanding this trauma in order to initiate healing and restoration, particularly among black women. 

The conversation also covers the importance of history in comprehending present-day challenges and emphasizes the urgency of healing as a pivotal component of improving black maternal health. The episode underscores the theme of 'the urgency for joy and the urgency for healing' in the face of historical and ongoing adversity.

00:53 Dr. DeGruy's Journey into Understanding Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome

02:49 Exploring the Historical Trauma and Its Ongoing Impact

04:26 The Challenge of Addressing Black Trauma and Healing

06:14 The Importance of History in Healing and Education

06:43 The Urgency of Healing in Black Maternal Health

10:20 Invitation to Learn and Heal Together

More from Dr. Joy DeGruy:

Visit her website: JoyDeGruy.com

Connect with Dr. Joy Degruy on:

Instagram, Facebook , X, YouTube, & LinkedIn

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Stay up to date with The Shades of Motherhood Network and all the Black Maternal Health Week events you don’t want to miss.

This podcast episode celebrates Black Maternal Health Week by featuring women who are authors, birth workers, and advocates in the black community.

The spotlight is on Nasheeda Pollard, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), public health professional, and the author of “Magical Milk”, a children's book promoting breastfeeding awareness and education. 

This conversation highlights the shockingly low rates of breastfeeding among Black women, the importance of reclaiming autonomy over their bodies, and the legacy of knowledge passed down generations. 

Nasheeda shares her journey into lactation consulting, motivated by the lack of community resources and representation. Stephaine and Nasheeda also touch on broader themes such as the professional challenges of motherhood, the impacts of slavery on black maternal health, and the vital role of support from friends and family in normalizing women’s breastfeeding journeys. 

The need for greater education and awareness to combat the stigma around breastfeeding in the black community is emphasized, alongside the celebration of the book 'Magical Milk' as a tool for change.

00:26 Introducing Magical Milk: A Conversation with Nasheedah

01:00 The Importance of Breastfeeding in the Black Community

02:02 Nasheedah's Journey into Maternal Health Advocacy

04:07 Personal Stories and Professional Insights on Breastfeeding

11:59 Creating Magical Milk: A Book for Representation and Education

23:03 Lactation Goddess: Empowering Families and Professionals

24:03 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

26:42 Future Events

More from Nasheeda Pollard: 

Grab Nasheeda’s book: Magical Milk

Visit her website LactationGoddess.com

Follow her on Instagram and FaceBook 

Send her an email: [email protected]

More from this episode: 

Stay up to date with The Shades of Motherhood Network and all the Black Maternal Health Week events you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of the Shades of Motherhood Network Real Talk, your host, Stephanie Courtney, dives into an imperative discussion on maternal health with Tomeka Isaac. 

Tomeka shares her journey of pregnancy loss, sharing her experience with a high-risk pregnancy that resulted in the stillbirth of her son, Jace, due to Hellp syndrome—a severe pregnancy condition. 

This episode not only sheds light on Tomeka's personal story, but also on the systemic failures within healthcare that contribute to maternal and infant mortality, particularly among black women. 

Stephaine and Tomeka emphasize the necessity of comprehensive patient-centered care, the role of doulas and midwives, and the importance of community support. 

Tomeka advocates for increased awareness and action towards preventing stillbirths and improving maternal health outcomes. This conversation touches on broader issues of racial disparities in healthcare, advocating for a collective effort among medical professionals to address these challenges.

01:45 The Power of Personal Stories: Tomeka Isaac's Journey

02:18 Her Story of Pregnancy and Loss

07:52 The Critical Condition: Understanding HELP Syndrome

16:56 The Aftermath: Recovery, Support, and Transformation

21:17 The Personal Riot: A Journey Through Black Maternal Health

22:19 Empowerment and Awareness: The Fight for Equity in Maternal Care

22:48 Navigating Challenges of the Healthcare System

25:05 The Importance of Personal Advocacy and Community 

34:35 Stillbirth and Loss: A Call for Awareness and Action

41:18 Uniting for Change: The Path Forward in Black Maternal Health

More from Tomeka Isaac: 

Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube

Visit Jace's Journey Website

More from this episode: 

Stay up to date with The Shades of Motherhood Network and all the Black Maternal Health Week events you don’t want to miss.

During Black Maternal Health Week, the Shades of Motherhood Network Real Talk welcomes Rekishia McMillan, author of “Rock Your World Naturally”, to discuss the importance of holistic care and health for black women. 

Rekishia shares her journey from confronting personal health challenges and PTSD after retiring from the United States Air Force, to embracing holistic health. Highlighting the blend of medication and holistic approaches, the conversation dives into why black women often ignore their bodies, emphasizing the historical and societal pressures that contribute to this. 

Rekishia advocates for mental health awareness, mindful eating, and adequate rest as pillars of women's self-care and overall wellness. This podcast also addresses the spiritual aspect of eating and encourages listeners to shift their mindset towards self-care as a form of self-love, acknowledging the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and spiritual health.

00:35 Introducing Keisha McMillan and Her Journey to Holistic Health

02:05 Integrating Holistic and Modern Medicine

03:37 Empowering Black Women Through Self-Care and Wellness

13:57 Understanding the Historical Context of Black Women's Health

16:07 Addressing Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

19:48 Keisha's Top Three Wellness Tips for Black Women

25:12 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect

Connect with Rekishia:

Visit her website RekishiaMcMillan.com

Follow Rekishia on Instagram & FaceBook

DM Rekishia “HEALTH” on Instagram to get her free nutrition guide. 

More from this episode: 

Stay up to date with The Shades of Motherhood Network and all the Black Maternal Health Week events you don’t want to miss.