Is enough being done to ensure the well-being of mothers during AND after pregnancy? Today on “Why Am I Just Finding This Out?” Kristin is opening the discussion with Alison Willaims.

In this episode, host Kristin Stovern, APRN-C, MSN, CNM, FACNM, sits with Alison Williams, MBA-HCM, RN, BSN, CPHQ, LSSGB, the Vice President of Clinical Quality Improvement Missouri Hospital Association. Alison's initiative focuses on implementing evidence-based practices, fostering collaboration among clinicians, patient advocates, and community organizations, and addressing health disparities that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

Alison shed light on the escalating maternal mortality rates and poor outcomes for mothers within the first year of childbirth, as highlighted by recent data. The discussion delved into the importance of a holistic approach to care, recognizing that patients often face multifaceted challenges beyond clinical care. Factors like access to transportation, social support, mental health services, and postpartum care play pivotal roles in a woman's well-being.

Together, both Kristin and Alison emphasize the significance of equity-centered, trauma-informed care. This approach involves understanding patients' individual experiences, avoiding preconceived biases, and truly listening to their needs.

By combining clinical excellence with compassion and a commitment to holistic care, healthcare professionals and stakeholders can collectively work toward a brighter future for maternal health, ensuring healthier moms, families, and communities. Tune in to learn more.

Get in touch with Alison Williams.Call: 573-893-3700 | ext. 1326Email: [email protected]web.mhanet.com/maternal-child-health/The recent data for the perinatal Associated Mortality Review Board: https://health.mo.gov/data/pamr/pdf/2020-annual-report.pdf

In this two-part series, Dr. Cara Berg-Raunick joins host Kristin Stovern again on the podcast, "Why Am I Just Finding This Out?" to discuss the ins and outs of our bodies and how to best care for them.Cara begins by clarifying the distinction between a vulva and a vagina, debunking the misconception that these terms are interchangeable. The vulva encompasses the external genitalia, while the vagina is the internal passage. Proper terminology empowers individuals to communicate clearly about their bodies, ensuring accurate medical care and promoting safety.

One crucial takeaway from the conversation is that the vagina is a self-cleaning organ. There's no need for harsh soaps, wipes, or sprays. Cara dispels the myths around scented products and emphasizes that the vagina's natural discharge is a vital part of its self-maintenance process. However, any sudden changes in smell, color, or sensation should be addressed with a healthcare provider.

Along with helpful information on how to care for your body, Cara and Kristin share resources for understanding more — The Labia Library and Beautiful Cervix. Reach out to Cara: [email protected], please consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance regarding your health and well-being.

In a world where conversations surrounding women's health are gaining momentum, it's crucial to delve into important topics that impact women's well-being.

One such topic is trauma-informed care, a concept that goes beyond the surface and deeply acknowledges the role trauma plays in shaping individuals' lives. In this two-part series, Dr. Cara Berg-Raunick joins host Kristin Stovern on the podcast "Why Am I Just Finding This Out?" to discuss trauma-informed care, its significance, and its application in women's health.

Trauma-informed care emphasizes understanding and respecting each individual's experiences and acknowledging the pervasive effects of trauma on brain development, health, and behaviors. As Cara states so beautifully, “Trauma-informed care is treating the person in front of you with respect.”

Dr. Berg-Raunick sheds light on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study, revealing that trauma doesn't only affect mental health but also extends to behaviors and long-term negative health outcomes. Childhood trauma can lead to a higher risk of mental health issues, substance abuse, risky behaviors, and even physical conditions like diabetes and cancer. Chronic stress due to trauma can rewire the brain, keeping individuals in a constant state of fight or flight, affecting their overall health.

Women often carry trauma responses from their past, affecting their overall well-being. Creating a safe environment, promoting transparency, leveling power dynamics, and acknowledging the historical and racial contexts in healthcare interactions are all components of trauma-informed care. This approach empowers patients to be active participants in their care and fosters healing on multiple levels. Tune in to learn more about the empowering effects of trauma-informed care.

Reach out to Cara: [email protected]

Explore a candid conversation that delves deep into the heart of healthcare disparities, unconscious biases, and the need for transformative change.

In this podcast episode of "Why Am I Just Finding This Out?" host Kristin Stovern, APRN-C, MSN, CNM, FACNM, welcomes Britney Daniels RN, MSN, a black queer travel nurse and social advocate who has worked in hospital emergency rooms throughout the US.

Brittany's journey began with the documentation of discriminatory incidents she witnessed while working as an ER nurse. She shares how her own background and identity enabled her to empathize with marginalized patients and gain unique insights into their perspectives. One key takeaway is the importance of treating every patient with dignity and respect, irrespective of their background.

There is a harsh reality of patients facing discrimination, substandard care, and biased treatment due to factors like race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Challenging the superficial attempts frequently employed by healthcare institutions to tackle biases and disparities, Brittany Daniels advocates for an ongoing commitment to education and sustainable initiatives to combat these critical concerns effectively.

To learn more about Brittany Daniels' insights and experiences as a black queer nurse advocating for change, listen to the full podcast episode.

Get ahold of Britney through Instagram or blackqueernurse.co.

What role does education play in promoting reproductive health and preventing unplanned pregnancies?

In this podcast episode of "Why Am I Just Finding This Out?" host Kristin Stover, APRN-C, MSN, CNM, FACNM, is joined by Kai Tao, ND, MPH, CNM​, co-founder of the Illinois Contraceptive Access Now (ICAN) initiative, to discuss the mission and services of ICAN in advancing reproductive health equity.

ICAN is a web-based program that aims to improve the quality and coverage of contraception in Illinois. The website offers a birth control quiz and an eligibility quiz to help individuals explore suitable contraceptive options and understand insurance coverage. The initiative seeks to normalize discussions about contraception in routine primary care visits and address disparities in reproductive healthcare.

Education about contraception is emphasized to prevent unplanned pregnancies and promote reproductive health. The importance of equitable access to family planning services is highlighted, and ICAN's potential to expand its services to other states is discussed. The conversation emphasizes the critical work being done by ICAN to empower individuals with knowledge and access to reproductive healthcare, positively impacting women's health in Illinois.

Listen in to discover how ICAN is working to empower individuals with knowledge and access to reproductive healthcare and making a positive impact on women's health in Illinois.

Have you ever wondered why there are still gaps in women's healthcare and why important information seems to be elusive?

In this podcast episode of "Why Am I Just Finding This Out?" host Kristin Stover, APRN-C, MSN, CNM, FACNM, engages in a powerful discussion with Reggi Rideout, Vice President of Strategy at Simply Strategy and a passionate advocate for women's healthcare and the improvement of outcomes in Missouri. They explore the root causes of disparities in communities and systems of care, focusing on maternal health.

Reggi shares her personal experience of facing complications during her first pregnancy, leading to eclampsia and a premature delivery. She highlights the lack of knowledge, confusion in care, and not being heard, emphasizing the importance of being aware and advocating for oneself.

Attention needs to be brought to the knowledge gap in contraception and unplanned pregnancies. Through research, Reggi discovered that many women lacked information about contraception options and faced fears and barriers in accessing them. They discuss the impact of unplanned pregnancies on maternal and infant outcomes and the need for better education and understanding in the general population.

Access and knowledge in women's healthcare, particularly, have been challenged by the closure of clinics and changes in legislation. Clinics that provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare need more support to ensure better outcomes for women.

Listen to the full episode for increased awareness, education, and advocacy to empower women and improve their access to quality care.

Helpful Resources:

The Uplift Connection

Missouri Family Health Council

Generate Health

Bootheel Babies

What are some common misconceptions or taboos surrounding women's sexual and reproductive health, and how can we break them down to create a more open and informed society?

In this podcast episode of "Why Am I Just Finding This Out?" host Kristin Stover, APRN-C, MSN, CNM, FACNM, interviews Dr. Mandy Gittler, board-certified family physician, about women's sexual and reproductive health. Together they delve into various aspects of this topic, including the lack of knowledge and education among women, the stigma surrounding sexual and reproductive health, and the importance of open conversations.

Dr. Gittler emphasizes that women's health is diverse, with individual differences and nuances that must be considered. They discuss the abundance of information available, cautioning that not all of it is accurate or applicable to everyone.

The discussion expands to include men as well, emphasizing that everyone should be educated about women's health since it affects everyone in some way. By including all genders in these conversations, they aim to break down barriers and eliminate shame and stigma associated with discussing intimate topics openly.

Healthcare is an ongoing learning process, and being open to new information and perspectives while providing care is crucial. Now is the time to learn more and start the movement toward providing better care for all.

About Dr. Gittler: Dr. Mandy Gittler is a board-certified family physician. After her certification as an athletic trainer from the University of Illinois, she earned her MD from Rush Medical College in Chicago. Throughout her residency at the University of Washington in Seattle, she was very involved in women's reproductive health and primary care. After years of providing care, both nationally and internationally, Dr. Gittler is now based in Chicago, focusing on both clinical care and education. Currently, she works at Erie Family Health Center, a federally qualified health center providing primary care and teaching residents. She also works for multiple Planned Parenthood affiliates.  As a founder and former board member of the Midwest Access Project, she identified geo-political differences in reproductive healthcare training and the provision of that care.  Dr. Gittler is very involved in medical students and residents and nursing education both clinically and academically. Dr. Gittler has started multiple vasectomy programs at multiple locations in multiple states, along with providing comprehensive reproductive healthcare to women.

Dr. Gittler currently resides in Chicago and enjoys spending time with her children, biking and being outdoors.

In this episode of "Why Am I Just Finding This Out?" host Kristin Stovern, APRN-C, MSN, CNM, FACNM, engages in an eye-opening discussion with Neel Shah, MD, MPP, FACOG, a leading expert in maternal healthcare and obstetrics.

Dr. Shah sheds light on the current state of maternal healthcare and identifies the need for a transformative approach to address the challenges faced by women during pregnancy and childbirth. He emphasizes the importance of empowering women with knowledge and promoting patient-centered care.

The conversation begins with a focus on the disparities and inequalities that exist in maternal healthcare. Dr. Shah highlights the alarming rates of maternal mortality and morbidity, particularly among marginalized communities. He explains how systemic factors, such as racial biases and inadequate access to quality care, contribute to these disparities.

Kristin and Dr. Shah delve into the topic of medical interventions during childbirth. They discuss the overuse of interventions like cesarean sections and the potential risks associated with them. Dr. Shah advocates for a more personalized and evidence-based approach, ensuring that interventions are used when necessary and in alignment with a woman's preferences.

The discussion continues with an exploration of the postpartum period and the often overlooked challenges faced by new mothers. Dr. Shah emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive postpartum care and support, addressing not only physical recovery but also mental health and well-being.

They discuss the significance of advocating for improved maternal healthcare and how individuals can contribute to positive change. Dr. Shah encourages listeners to be informed consumers of healthcare, ask questions, and engage in discussions with their healthcare providers.

This episode provides valuable insights into the state of maternal healthcare and offers practical ways to redefine and improve the experiences of women during pregnancy and childbirth.

BIO:

Dr. Neel Shah, MD, MPP, FACOG, is Chief Medical Officer of Maven Clinic, the world's largest virtual clinic for family health care. The is also a visiting scientist at Harvard Medical School where he previously served as a professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology.

Dr. Shah has been recognized with the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Humanitarian of the Year from the March of Dimes for his impact on maternal health in the United States. He is featured in the films "Aftershock," which won the Special Jury Prize for Impact at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, and "The Color of Care" from the Smithsonian Channel and Executive Producer Oprah Winfrey. Dr. Shah founded the nonprofits Cost of Care and March for Moms, as well as the Delivery Decisions Initiative at Ariadne Labs, a research and social impact program of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

As a physician-scientist, Dr. Shah has written landmark academic papers on maternal health and health care policy, and contributed to four books, including as senior author of Understanding Value-Based Healthcare (McGraw-Hill), which industry leaders have called "an instant classic" and "a masterful primer for all clinicians." He is listed among the "40 smartest people in health care" by the Becker's Hospital Review. Dr. Shah currently serves on the advisory board of the National Institutes of Health, Office of Women's Health Research.

Join Kristin Stovern, APRN-C, MSN, CNM, FACNM, on "Why Am I Just Finding This Out?" as she interviews Bree Harbin, Director and Medical Science Liaison of Women’s Healthcare Team Medical Affairs at Organon. Bree is a women's health expert with a background in reproductive health and leadership roles in companies that provide birth control options for women.

Kristin and Bree talk about empowering women and advocating for reproductive rights and health. They discuss the importance of self-worth, finding healthcare providers who listen and partner with their patients, and caring for women in a respectful, individualized manner. Brie emphasizes the need for vulnerability and listening without judgment to better understand patients' perspectives and promote positive change. They also stress the importance of self-care and focusing on what is important to oneself at the moment, rather than trying to do everything at once. They encourage women to advocate for themselves, recognize their worthiness, and help older generations do the same.

In this episode of "Why Am I Just Finding This Out?" host Kristin Stovern, APRN-C, MSN, CNM, FACNM, discusses gut health and its impact on overall health with Christopher H. Roberts, MD, a functional medicine practitioner specializing in hormonal health. Dr. Roberts explains the crucial role of gut health in preventing disease and managing symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and inflammation, as the immune system, controlling inflammation and hormones, is located underneath the single layer of cells lining the intestines. They also discuss the harmful effects of industrialized grains, American gluten-containing grains, corn, sugars, and industrial seed oils on the body, leading to worsening inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Kristin and Chris emphasize the importance of personalized treatment and scrutinizing what goes into our bodies to make conscious efforts to choose healthier options, such as organic foods. They emphasize the significance of managing stress and taking care of the gut for overall health and the need to address women's health holistically to leave a legacy of better.