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What have we learned about birth, loss, recovery, and resilience this season? A lot.

In this reflective Season 3 recap of The Birth Squad, Dr. Ijeoma Okwandu Bello and Dr. Kimeshia Thomas sit down to discuss the powerful themes, stories, and lessons that shaped this year’s conversations. From postpartum recovery to infertility, pelvic floor health to pregnancy loss, we dive into the core truths about motherhood—both the beautiful and the painful.

This episode is for anyone navigating the complexities of pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery. It’s a space to honor every path, empower every decision, and embrace the power of community in maternal health.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

✔️ Why postpartum care is often overlooked—and why that must change

✔️ Why we must talk openly about pregnancy loss

✔️ How pelvic floor therapy can change your life

✔️ Why a skilled birth team is essential when things don’t go as planned

✔️ The role of community in sharing and supporting our stories

🎧 Whether you're a new mom, a birth worker, or someone supporting a loved one— you’ll leave this episode more informed, more connected, and more empowered.

💬 This season, we were especially honored to share the deeply moving episode with Dr. Margaret Towolawi, a family medicine physician, author, speaker, and founder of Nurture Well Center and SkinStatMD.

In her episode, Dr. Towolawi bravely shared her personal experience with cervical insufficiency and second-trimester pregnancy loss.

Her vulnerability and clinical insight created space for healing and awareness around a condition that is too often misunderstood. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Towolawi for trusting us with her story—and for helping so many others feel seen, validated, and less alone.

🩺 Connect with Dr. Margaret Towolawi:

📘 Ayomide’s Train Ride to Graceland – Dr. Towolawi’s children’s book honoring pregnancy loss: Buy on Amazon

Website: www.margarettowolawimd.comPrimary Care: www.nurturewellcenter.comSkin Care: www.skinstatmd.comInstagram: @dr.margaret.towolawi

💛 If you’ve experienced loss, or if any part of this season resonated with your journey—we want to hear from you. Share your story in the comments. Your voice matters. Your experience matters. You are not alone.

🎙️ The Birth Squad is where real moms share real stories.

📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help us uplift more voices in maternal health.

TheBirthSquad #MaternalHealth #BlackMaternalHealth #BirthStory #RealTalkHealing #CommunitySupport

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What happens when a routine delivery turns into an emergency—and a mother has to dig deep to stay calm, focused, and strong?

In the last episode of season 3 of The Birth Squad Podcast, we’re joined by Perlita Ortega, a courageous mama who’s opening up about one of the most serious (and often misunderstood) birth complications: shoulder dystocia.

Perlita shares her real, raw, and powerful experience of what it felt like in the moment, how her birth team responded, and the lasting impact it’s had on her as a mother. This is a story of strength, awareness, and the importance of being prepared—even when you least expect complications.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear:

✔️ What shoulder dystocia is—and why it matters

✔️ How Perlita recognized something was wrong in the moment

✔️ The emotional and physical impact of the experience

🎙️ “It happened so fast—but I’ll never forget how strong I had to be in that moment.”

💪🏾 Whether you’ve faced complications in birth, work in maternal care, or just want to understand the full spectrum of birth experiences, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and empowered.

💬 Have you experienced a shoulder dystocia or other unexpected birth complication? Share your story in the comments—we're building a community through real talk and lived experience. 💕

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tap the bell so you never miss a new episode—airing every other Sunday!

🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more:

https://open.spotify.com/show/5oUKy30oJQPTYzK25kVLlw?si=ab88aa2fbe3e4153

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCucYqnP446Gp86B-1gISc6g

TheBirthSquadPodcast #ShoulderDystocia #RealBirthStories #EmpoweredBirth #PregnancyEducation

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What happens when a doctor becomes the patient—and experiences the very loss she’s spent years helping others navigate?

In this deeply moving episode of The Birth Squad, we sit down with Dr. Margaret Towolawi—family medicine physician, author, speaker, and founder of multiple wellness-focused practices including Nurture Well Center and SkinStatMD. Dr. Towolawi opens up about her personal journey through cervical insufficiency and second-trimester pregnancy loss, offering both clinical insight and raw vulnerability.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced pregnancy loss—or walked beside someone who has. From warning signs to diagnosis, treatment options to emotional recovery, we’re breaking the silence around an often-overlooked condition and offering hope through shared experience.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What cervical insufficiency is—and why it’s often missed
• Dr. Towolawi’s own story of pregnancy loss as a physician and mother
• Current treatment options, including cerclage and progesterone
• The emotional toll of loss and the process of healing
• How we can better support families facing second-trimester loss

Connect with Dr. Margaret Towolawi:

• Clinical Practice: www.margarettowolawimd.com
• Primary Care: www.nurturewellcenter.com
• Skin Care: www.skinstatmd.com
• Speaking Engagements: admin@margarettowolawimd.com
• Children’s Book: Ayomide’s Train Ride to Graceland – Buy on Amazon

Resources for Pregnancy Loss Support:

• Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support
• Star Legacy Foundation
• Return to Zero: HOPE
• Postpartum Support International

If you’ve walked this road, or are walking it now—you are not alone. Share your story in the comments or reach out to connect. We see you. We honor you.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share The Birth Squad—where real moms share real stories, every other Sunday.

PregnancyLoss #CervicalInsufficiency #HealingAfterLoss #TheBirthSquad #MaternalHealth #BlackMaternalHealth #RealTalkHealing

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What happens when an emergency room doctor turns her focus from trauma bays to baby blues?

In this powerful episode of The Birth Squad, we’re joined by Dr. Phindile Chowa—board-certified Emergency Medicine physician, CEO of EMCare2U, and author of What to Expect Next: A Postpartum Guide for A Healthy, Happy Mom. She’s also the host of The 4th Trimester Podcast, where she dives deep into what really happens after birth—the messy, beautiful, often ignored chapter of postpartum healing.

Dr. Chowa pulls back the curtain on the real fourth trimester, sharing insights from both her medical background and personal journey. Whether you’re in the thick of new motherhood or preparing for what’s ahead, this conversation is your invitation to feel seen, heard, and supported.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear: ✔️ Why even doctors are surprised by the reality of postpartum ✔️ How to build your postpartum care plan BEFORE baby arrives ✔️ The truth about mental, emotional, and physical healing ✔️ What ER visits can teach us about what’s missing in postpartum care ✔️ Dr. Chowa’s mission to make postpartum support accessible, mobile, and real

🩺 Connect with Dr. Phindile Chowa: 📘 What to Expect Next: A Postpartum Guide for A Healthy, Happy Mom – Buy on Amazon 🌐 Website: www.emcare2u.com 📸 Instagram: @drphindile 🎙️ Podcast: The 4th Trimester on Spotify ▶️ YouTube: @The4thTrimester

💬 Have you experienced the “invisible” 4th trimester? Share your story in the comments—we see you.

📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of The Birth Squad—where real moms share real stories every other Sunday.

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What happens when a powerhouse entrepreneur and top-selling realtor trades closing deals for contractions—and chooses to birth her baby at home?

Today on The Birth Squad, we’re joined by Shalaya Shipman, a real estate broker, entrepreneur, and fearless first-time mama— to hear her inspiring, no-filter story of planning and experiencing a home birth. From client meetings to contractions, Shalaya opens up about navigating business, birth prep, and the empowering decision to bring her baby into the world on her own terms.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear:✔️ Why Shalaya chose a home birth (and how people reacted)

✔️ How being a bonus mom shaped her approach to pregnancy and birth✔️ The mindset shift from boss mode to birth mode✔️ The moment she knew she could do it—and did

✔️ The support system that made all the difference

🎙️“I think women need to trust their bodies and lead with that.”

💪🏾 Whether you’re a birth worker, a business owner, or a mama-to-be weighing your options, Shalaya’s story will leave you fired up and fearless about following your own path.

💬 Have you had (or considered) a home birth? Tell us in the comments — we love hearing your stories.

🏠 Connect with Shalaya Shipman and her real estate work (🏆 Featured on HGTV):

📲 Instagram: @shayanee

🏡 Real Estate Services: www.shalayashipman.com

📍From the Bay to LA — 🗝️ Voted Top 10 In CA Real Estate By  News

🔔 Like, subscribe, and tap the bell to get raw, real birth stories every other Sunday!

🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms: https://open.spotify.com/show/5oUKy30oJQPTYzK25kVLlw?si=ab88aa2fbe3e4153

🔗 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCucYqnP446Gp86B-1gISc6g

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Getting a prenatal screening can be nerve-wracking. But what happens when a trusted midwife becomes the patient—and her results come back abnormal?Today on The Birth Squad, we’re joined by Laura Uehara—certified midwife, mama, and founder of @declutterfreedom—to share her deeply personal journey through genetic testing in pregnancy. From shock to action, Laura walks us through the emotional rollercoaster, the clinical confusion, and how she found peace through both science and simplicity.In this episode, you’ll hear: What prenatal genetic screening actually tells you—and what it doesn’t. Laura’s real-time reaction to her abnormal results. The difference between screening and diagnostic tests. How midwives support clients and themselves through medical uncertaintyWhether you're currently pregnant, a birth worker, or just feeling overwhelmed by “what-ifs,” this episode brings clarity, comfort, and community.Have you had a genetic screening during pregnancy? Share your story in the comments.Follow Laura’s decluttering tips on Instagram and YouTube: @declutterfreedom / Declutter Freedom on YouTube Like, subscribe, and turn on the bell for more raw, real, and relatable episodes every other Sunday.

Follow us on @thebirthsquad on Instagram

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If dinner’s a daily struggle, you need this episode. Busy mom? Hungry kids? No problem. This one’s about you.

Postpartum meals aren’t about bouncing back. They’re about building you back up. This week we're talking with Chef Kathleen O’Brien Price (@Chefleen) — Chopped Winner, current Food Network star on 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing, and most importantly mom. Join us to hear her real-talk on postpartum fuel, mom-friendly shortcuts, and what foods actually helped her feel human again.In this episode, you’ll learn:-Her journey from Harlem mama to starting her meal prep business Harlem Homemade (@Harlemhomemade)-Postpartum meal tips that nourish YOU-A stress-free meal planning formula-Why healthy food shouldn’t cost a fortuneListen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your birth wisdomAnd remember, new episodes drop every other Sunday—so stay tuned for more! Because we’re all about real stories and expert advice, served with a sprinkle of humor. #TheBirthSquadPodcast #Season3 #HealthyMeals #FoodasFuel #24in24

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This Mother's Day on Birth Squad, we’re joined by Morgan Antwine, a lawyer and mom who shares her real, raw, and relatable story of prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM)—aka when your water breaks before labor starts.Spoiler alert: It wasn’t a dramatic movie moment. It was confusing, quiet, and full of "what now?" moments.🎙️ In This Episode: Morgan’s first hand story of PROM in the middle of the night What it really feels like when your water breaks When to go to the hospital (and when to wait) And how Morgan navigated another unexpected twist—postpartum hemorrhage—immediately after delivery.🎙️ Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your birth wisdom: https://open.spotify.com/show/5oUKy30oJQPTYzK25kVLlw?si=ab88aa2fbe3e4153And remember, new episodes drop every other Sunday—so stay tuned for more! Because we’re all about real stories and expert advice, served with a sprinkle of humor. 😉#WaterBreaking #PregnancyTips #BirthJourney

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On this episode of The Birth Squad Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Rachel Mandelbaum, a fertility physician, to talk all things infertility. 🎙️ And guess what? She’s not just the expert in the room—she’s also sharing her own personal journey to motherhood. Talk about a double dose of wisdom and heart! 💖Infertility can feel isolating, but Dr. Mandelbaum brings a mix of science, compassion, and a little humor to break it all down. Whether you're navigating your own fertility journey or just want to understand the process better, this episode is for YOU!📌 Watch on YouTube— just click the link below. You’ll feel empowered, educated, and maybe even a little more hopeful by the end.🔗https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmosC7JxG6YAnd remember, new episodes drop every other Sunday—so stay tuned for more! Because we’re all about real stories and expert advice, served with a sprinkle of humor. 😉#TheBirthSquadPodcast #Season3 #Infertility #DrRachelMandelbaum

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This week on The Birth Squad Podcast, we're diving into an important and often misunderstood topic: Ectopic Pregnancy. And who better to join us than the AMAZING Ana Rivera Towns from The Amazing Race?! 🎉Ana shares her personal journey, and we promise you won’t want to miss it – it’s emotional, empowering, and educational. 💪🏾📌 Tune in NOW on YouTube or Spotify to hear Ana's powerful story and learn about ectopic pregnancy from someone who's been through it. We're all about breaking the taboo and keeping it real.🔗 Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5oUKy30...⁠The Birth Squad Podcast drops new episodes every other Sunday. So, grab your coffee, hit play, and let’s talk all things pregnancy. ☕🎙️⁠#TheBirthSquadPodcast⁠ ⁠#Season3⁠ ⁠#EctopicPregnancy⁠ ⁠#AnaRiveraTowns⁠ ⁠#AmazingRace⁠

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🏋🏽‍♀️ Your pelvic floor deserves some love, too! Let’s talk pelvic floor therapy with Dr.Lynn Schulte, an expert PT who will walk you through the benefits, when to start, and how it can improve your postpartum health. It’s time to get that core in check, mama! 💪🏾 #PelvicFloor #PostpartumCare #StrongMama

Learn more about Dr. Lynn, the Institute for Birth Healing and the exercises she discussed during the podcast.

How to Close the Open Birthing Pattern in the Pelvis: https://youtu.be/JRUPAwTN1P4?si=GH1srYGpyNlhFuKD

Oblique Stretch and Release: https://youtu.be/6sjFPWPY2Ec?si=kt33A1fp6vuiAj3r

How to Massage Your C-Section Scar: https://youtu.be/p-VfUJ6JcWo?si=3mNA15e1oH917K1V

Institute For Birth Healing Directory of Providers: https://directory.instituteforbirthhealing.com/

Center for Birth Healing Clinical Practice to set up one-on-one sessions in Person or Online: https://centerforbirthhealing.com/

Institute for Birth Healing Online Courses for Providers: https://Instituteforbirthhealing.com/

Confidence in Your Core, Pelvic Floor and More for MOMS: https://instituteforbirthhealing.com/confidence-core-pelvic-floor/

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✨ Pregnant and glowing… or pregnant and breaking out? 😬 We chat with a dermatologist who specializes in melasma and skin changes during pregnancy. Whether you’re dealing with acne, stretch marks, or hyperpigmentation, we’re covering it all so you can get the glow-up you deserve, mama! 🌟 #PregnancyGlow #SkinCare #Melasma

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Get ready for SEASON 3 of the Birth Squad Podcast! 🎉We’re back and better than ever with MORE laughs, MORE education, and MORE of the juicy pregnancy & postpartum info you NEED. We’ve got a lineup of experts that will blow your mind (and your baby bump!) Meet our amazing guests, hear about our exciting topics, and get ready to dive in headfirst into this incredible journey of pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Let's do this! Here’s what’s coming up this season:- Postpartum and the 4th trimester with an ED Physician- Ectopic Pregnancy with an Amazing Race Contestant- Genetic Screening in Pregnancy and What Happens if It’s Abnormal- Prelabor Rupture of Membranes- Shoulder Dystocia- Home Birth- Cervical Insufficiency and Pregnancy Loss with a fellow Physician- Busy Mom Hacks for Healthy Meals with a Mom and Personal Chef- Pelvic Floor Therapy with a PT Expert- Skin in Pregnancy with a Dermatologist - Infertility with a Reproductive EndocrinologistGet ready for an epic ride!

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In Episode 6 the Her Story Series, Ngozi discusses how she became a fearless birth advocate, championing the rights and voices of Black mothers everywhere through her company MotherMode LLC, based in Los Angeles, CA.

The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us! Join us on this empowering journey as real mothers share their raw and unfiltered stories about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. From overcoming unexpected challenges to finding strength in their village, these stories offer real insights into the multifaceted journey of motherhood for Black women. Gain valuable insights into Black maternal healthcare.Learn from real-life stories that resonate with mothers across the globe.Discover different birthing options, challenges, and triumphs.💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected! 👩🏾‍🤝‍👩🏾👶🏾✨ Let's build a village of support together.

@thebirthsquad @birthbyus @mothermodeLA

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Episode 5 of "Her Story" series explores Dr. Robinson’s Story A positive and inspiring birth story that focuses on empowerment and joy in childbirth.

"Her Story" series brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us! Join us on this empowering journey as real mothers share their raw and unfiltered stories about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. From overcoming unexpected challenges to finding strength in their village, these stories offer real insights into the multifaceted journey of motherhood for Black women. Gain valuable insights into Black maternal healthcare.Learn from real-life stories that resonate with mothers across the globe.Discover different birthing options, challenges, and triumphs.💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected! 👩🏾‍🤝‍👩🏾👶🏾✨ Let's build a village of support together.

@thebirthsquad @birthbyus

blackmaternalhealth #HerStory #BirthByUs #TheBirthSquad #MotherhoodJourney #BlackMomsMatter

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In Episode 4 of The Her Story Series, Ayana discusses navigating the emotional journey of an unplanned pregnancy and postpartum struggles, offering comfort and solidarity to many.

The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us! Join us on this empowering journey as real mothers share their raw and unfiltered stories about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. From overcoming unexpected challenges to finding strength in their village, these stories offer real insights into the multifaceted journey of motherhood for Black women. Gain valuable insights into Black maternal healthcare.Learn from real-life stories that resonate with mothers across the globe.Discover different birthing options, challenges, and triumphs.💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected! 👩🏾‍🤝‍👩🏾👶🏾✨ Let's build a village of support together.

@thebirthsquad @birthbyus

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In Episode 3 of The Her Story Series, Shayla compares her experiences with hospital birth vs. home birth.

The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us! Join us on this empowering journey as real mothers share their raw and unfiltered stories about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. From overcoming unexpected challenges to finding strength in their village, these stories offer real insights into the multifaceted journey of motherhood for Black women. Gain valuable insights into Black maternal healthcare.Learn from real-life stories that resonate with mothers across the globe.Discover different birthing options, challenges, and triumphs.💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected! 👩🏾‍🤝‍👩🏾👶🏾✨ Let's build a village of support together.

@thebirthsquad @birthbyus

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Episode 2 The Her Story Series listens to Raedells discuss her battle with pre-eclampsia, lupus and the challenges of preterm birth. A story of resilience and care.

The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us! Join us on this empowering journey as real mothers share their raw and unfiltered stories about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. From overcoming unexpected challenges to finding strength in their village, these stories offer real insights into the multifaceted journey of motherhood for Black women. Gain valuable insights into Black maternal healthcare.Learn from real-life stories that resonate with mothers across the globe.Discover different birthing options, challenges, and triumphs.💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected! 👩🏾‍🤝‍👩🏾👶🏾✨ Let's build a village of support together.

@thebirthsquad @birthbyus

blackmaternalhealth #HerStory #BirthByUs #TheBirthSquad #MotherhoodJourney #BlackMomsMatter

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Episode 1 of The Her Story Series features the founders of Birth By Us and how they are changing the narrative for Black mothers.

The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us! Join us on this empowering journey as real mothers share their raw and unfiltered stories about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. From overcoming unexpected challenges to finding strength in their village, these stories offer real insights into the multifaceted journey of motherhood for Black women. Gain valuable insights into Black maternal healthcare.Learn from real-life stories that resonate with mothers across the globe.Discover different birthing options, challenges, and triumphs.💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected! 👩🏾‍🤝‍👩🏾👶🏾✨ Let's build a village of support together.

@thebirthsquad @birthbyus

blackmaternalhealth #HerStory #BirthByUs #TheBirthSquad #MotherhoodJourney #BlackMomsMatter

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And that’s a wrap on Season 2 of The Birth Squad Podcast! We hope you enjoyed the incredible stories and expert insights from this season. If you missed any episodes, they’re all available wherever you get your podcasts. Stay tuned for more empowering stories and expert advice in our next season. Leave a comment and tell us what you want to hear next! To learn more and connect with some of our amazing birth warriors this season check out their information below! Season Two Birth Warriors: Dr. Aldene Zeno  * https://draldene.com * @dr.aldene * Book-Thriving through Pregnancy with Fitness and Black Mama Magic Dr. Brandye Wilson-Manigat * https://drbrandyemd.com/ * Book-A Committed Woman's Guide To Getting The Great Sex She Deserves Dr. Jess Daigle  * @momandme_md * Drs Martinez and Burton Dr. Nikki Christian-Genius  * nicole.christian-genius@med.usc.edu * Doulas Chandler Garrett and Mish Akoro * Chandler * https://thebumpculture.com/ * https://www.instagram.com/thebumpcult… * Mish  * https://homeofgoodmother.squarespace  * https://homeofgoodmotherdoula  * Dr. Rauvynne Sangara Dr. Griselda Reyes * grisarlreyes@gmail.com * Deja McCullough, RN Dr. Nikki Liburd * Allyson Felix  * @allysonfelix  * https://linktr.ee/allysonfelix

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ven Track & Field Olympic Gold Medalist Allyson Felix had to find her voice during her pregnancy. Join us as we close out season 2 with her, as she shares her birth story and desire for a VBAC with us! Don't forget to check out season 1&2 of The Birth Squad Podcast available now!

Link to Preeclampsia Calculator

https://fetalmedicine.org/research/assess/preeclampsia/first-trimester

Terms:

Preeclampsia (formerly called toxemia): High blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy that leads to end organ damage.

• Signs/symptoms include: Swelling of your legs, headache unrelieved by pain medication, vision changes, protein in your urine, elevated liver enzymes, kidney failure, and low platelet levels.
• Treatment: Magnesium is usually used to prevent seizures and IV blood pressure
• Eclampsia: A seizure-related high blood pressure

NICU: the intensive care unit of babies who are sick or born early. Hospitals have different NICU levels that they offer:

• Level 1 NICU | Basic care - provide care for healthy full-term babies.
• Level 2 NICU| Advanced care - offer care for babies born at or after 32 weeks.
• Level 3 NICU| Specialized care - care for very sick babies and offer access to a wide range of pediatric specialists and equipment.
• Level 4 NICU| Highest level of care - provides a full range of healthcare providers and equipment for very sick babies.

Trial of Labor After Cesarean (TOLAC): Patients who have undergone a previous cesarean birth have the option of proceeding with a trial of labor if they have had two or fewer cesareans.

• Please talk to your provider to see if your hospital offer this option

Uterine rupture: when the uterus opens and a part of the fetus, amniotic fluid, or the umbilical cord enters the abdomen.

• A uterine rupture can cause abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, a change in the contraction pattern, or a nonreassuring fetal heart rate tracing.
• Fetal Heart Rate Tracing: Monitoring of the baby’s heart rate.
• Acceleration: When the fetal heart rate goes up indicating good oxygenation.
• Deceleration: A drop in the fetal heart rate, which can indicate fetal head compression, umbilical cord compression, or a decrease in oxygenation.

Hypnobirthing: aims to help a woman deal with any fear or anxiety she may have around birth. It involves various relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques to help relax the body before and during labor and birth.

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We chat with Dr. Nikki Liburd, who opens up about her personal and professional experiences with fibroids, surgery, infertility, and pregnancy. Terms:Uterine fibroids (also called leiomyomas):  growths made of muscle and tissue that form in or on the wall of your uterus. usually not cancerous (benign) and are the most common noncancerous tumors in womenMyomectomy:  surgery to remove uterine fibroids.In vitro fertilization (aka “IVF”):  where the egg is removed and fertilized outside the body and then placed back into the patient. This can be done immediately or later if not ready for use. Also option for same-sex partners or those pursuing single parenthood. Saline Sonogram:  ultrasound procedure that instills water into your uterus to determine if there is abnormal tissue inside Hydrosalpingogram:  x-ray procedure where they inject dye in your uterus to determine if your fallopian tubes are open.Uterine artery embolization (UAE):  a minimally invasive procedure most commonly used to treat vaginal bleeding caused by uterine fibroidsRadiofrequency ablation (RFA):  a minimally invasive technique that shrinks the size of tumors, nodules or other growths in the body.Uterine rupture:  a complete division of all three layers of the uterus. A medical emergency requiring immediate delivery of the baby Advanced maternal age (AMA):  a birthing individual age 35 or older Preeclampsia (formerly called toxemia):  High blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy that leads to end organ damage.  Signs/symptoms include Swelling of your legs, headache unrelieved by pain medication, vision changes, protein in your urine, elevated liver enzymes, kidney failure, and low platelet levels.  Treatment:  Magnesium is usually used to prevent seizures and IV blood pressure  Eclampsia:  A seizure-related high blood pressure Ectopic pregnancy:  a pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus. Fetal Echo:  a specialized ultrasound test performed during pregnancy to evaluate the position, size, structure, function and rhythm of the unborn baby's heart.

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In this episode, we sit down with Deja as she bravely shares her personal journey through a forceps delivery. From the initial decision-making process to the physical and emotional aftermath, Deja provides a raw and honest account of her experience.

Terms

Operative Vaginal Delivery: a birth in which the operator uses forceps, a vacuum device, or another instrument to extract the fetus from the vagina, with or without concurrent maternal pushing.

Forceps Delivery: a form of assisted delivery using an instrument that grasps the baby’s head, that can help mothers deliver their babies vaginally when labor is not progressing.

Vacuum Delivery: is a method to assist delivery of a baby using a vacuum device.

Occiput Posterior Position: your baby's head is down, but it is facing the mother's front instead of her back. It is safe to deliver a baby facing this way. But it is harder for the baby to get through the pelvis.

Trial of Labor After Cesarean (TOLAC): Patients who have undergone a previous cesarean birth have the option of proceeding with a trial of labor if they have had two or less cesareans.

• Please talk to your provider to see if your hospital offer this option

Vaginal birth After cesarean section (VBAC): is the term applied to women who undergo vaginal delivery following cesarean delivery in a prior pregnancy.

Types of Vaginal Lacerations:

• 1st degree: small tear that does not include any muscle
• 2nd degree: the most common and involves part of the muscles of your pelvic floor, which is the support system of the vagina
• 3rd degree: means that part of your rectal muscle is involved
• 4th degree: means that your tear extends all the way through to your rectum

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In this episode, we chat about twin pregnancies with Birth Warrior and OBGYN, Dr. Griselda Reyes.

Terms:

Twins: there are two fetuses in the uterus. This is a rare occurrence that can be due to family history, fertility treatments or other factors.

• Dichorionic diamniotic twins – each has their own separate placenta and separate sac.
• Monochorionic diamniotic twins – share a single placenta but have their own separate sacs.
• Monochorionic monoamniotic twins – share both a placenta and a sac.

Maternal Fetal Medicine (Perinatologist): OB/GYNs who get specialized training on high risk pregnancies.

Doula: A labor coach or birth assistant who can provide prenatal, labor, and postpartum support. This includes helping to create a birth plan, manage pain during delivery, and assist with breastfeeding/lactation needs.

Bradycardia: occurs when a fetus (developing baby) has a sustained heart rate slower than 110 beats per minute (BPM).

Preeclampsia (formerly called toxemia): High blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy that leads to end organ damage.

• Signs/symptoms include: Headache unrelieved by pain medication, vision changes, protein in your urine, elevated liver enzymes, kidney failure, and low platelet levels.
• Treatment: Magnesium is usually used to prevent seizure and IV blood pressure
• Eclampsia: A seizure related high blood pressure

Ketamine: an anesthetic used medically for induction and maintenance of anesthesia.

NICU: the intensive care unit of babies who are sick or born early. Hospitals have different NICU levels that they offer:

• Level 1 NICU | Basic care - provide care for healthy full-term babies.
• Level 2 NICU| Advanced care - offer care for babies born at or after 32 weeks.
• Level 3 NICU| Specialized care - care for very sick babies and offer access to a wide range of pediatric specialists and equipment.
• Level 4 NICU| Highest level of care - provides a full range of healthcare providers and equipment for very sick babies.

Trial of Labor After Cesarean (TOLAC): Patients who have undergone a previous cesarean birth have the option of proceeding with a trial of labor if they have had two or less cesareans.

• Please talk to your provider to see if your hospital offer this option

Bilateral Tubal Ligation: a surgical procedure that creates permanent contraception, or sterilization.

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On this episode Rauvynne shares her unique path to motherhood with her wife. From navigating IVF to the emotional journey of egg retrieval, discover the raw and heartwarming moments that redefine the traditional narrative of starting a family.

Terms:

• Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM): OB/GYNs who get specialized training on high risk pregnancies.
• Fetal Echo: a specialized ultrasound test performed during pregnancy to evaluate the position, size, structure, function and rhythm of the unborn baby's heart.
• NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing): is a method of determining the risk that the fetus will be born with certain genetic abnormalities.
• IVF (in vitro fertilization): a type of artificial reproductive technology that allows people with a range of fertility issues to conceive a child.
• IUI (Intrauterine insemination): boosts the chances of pregnancy by placing specially prepared sperm directly in the uterus.
• Biochemical pregnancy: is a very early miscarriage that occurs in the first few days of pregnancy.

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Join us as we chat with two Black Doulas, SoCal-based Chandler Garrett and Bay Area-based Mish Akoro, about labor support. Including virtual care!Learn more about Chandler at:https://thebumpculture.com/Instagram: thebumpcultureLearn more about Mish at:https://homeofgoodmother.squarespace.com/Instagram: homeofgoodmotherdoula

Terms:

Doula: A labor coach or birth assistant who can provide prenatal, labor, and postpartum support. This includes helping to create a birth plan, manage pain during delivery, and assist with breastfeeding/lactation needs.

Doula Training International (DTI): Provides doula trainings online and in person, which certify birth doulas, postpartum doulas, and full spectrum doulas.

Doulas Of North America (DONA): Founded in 1992, the organization both trains and certifies the non-medical birth support of doulas.

Hypnobirthing: aims to help a woman deal with any fear or anxiety she may have around birth. It involves various relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques to help relax the body before and during labor and birth.

Birth Plan: a written summary of your preferences for when you are in labor and giving birth. It includes things like what position you want to give birth in, what pain relief you prefer (if you need it), and who you would like to be with you at the birth.

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Meet birth warrior and expert, Dr. Nicole Christian-Genius who shares her experience with stillbirth and her path toward becoming a midwife.

Terms

Midwife: Obstetrical providers who often work in conjunction with OB/GYN

• CNM (A certified nurse midwife) - can deliver your baby if you have a vaginal delivery, and also provide routine health care outside of pregnancy.
• LM (licensed midwife) - can provide prenatal care and deliver your baby.

Preeclampsia (formerly called toxemia): High blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy that leads to end organ damage.

• Signs/symptoms include headache unrelieved by pain medication, vision changes, protein in your urine, elevated liver enzymes, kidney failure, and low platelet levels.
• Treatment: Magnesium is usually used to prevent seizures and IV blood pressure
• Eclampsia: A seizure-related high blood pressure

Placenta previa: the placenta attaches low in the uterus. The placenta might partially or completely cover the opening of the uterus, called the cervix. Placenta previa can cause severe bleeding in the mother before, during or after delivery.

Stillbirth: is when a baby dies in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Most stillbirths happen before a pregnant person goes into labor, but a small number happen during labor and birth. Stillbirth affects about 1 in 160 pregnancies each year in the United States.

Preterm labor: labor occurring between after 20 and before 37 weeks gestation.

Fetal Kick Counts: Ten movements (kicks, flutters or rolls) in one hour is considered typical fetal movement.

• Some things you can try to get the fetus to move are:
• Drinking juice or another sweet beverage.
• Drinking something that is cold.

Doula: A labor coach or birth assistant who can provide prenatal, labor, and postpartum support. This includes helping to create a birth plan, manage pain during delivery, and assist with breastfeeding/lactation needs.

Birth Center: A facility where you can deliver with minimal interventions.

Home Birth: When someone delivers at home. Usually a birth attendant is present to assist.

Community Hospital: A smaller hospital that serves a specific location.

Academic Center: A hospital that serves a large population of people. Participates in research and has trainees at different levels, which includes medical students, residents, and other higher educational programs. Also, may have the highest level of care. Usually affiliated with a school like USCF, UCLA, USC, Harvard, etc.

Hypnobirthing: aims to help a woman deal with any fear or anxiety she may have around birth. It involves various relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques to help relax the body before and during labor and birth.

Aromatherapy: the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit.

Lamaze: involves psychological and physical preparation in various techniques (such as controlled breathing and alternative birthing positions) by the mother to reduce pain and facilitate delivery without unnecessary medical intervention.

The Bradley Method: Course where women are taught relaxation exercises to help endure labor. Their support person is also trained to aid her in achieving a physiologic birth and to help keep outside factors from interfering with the process.

Peanut Ball: is shaped like a peanut shell, where the middle circumference is smaller than the ends. To facilitate the desired upright position for successful labor progression, a peanut ball could be placed between a woman's legs while she is limited to staying in bed.

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We chat with two OB Anesthesiologists, Dr. Lydi Martinez and Dr. Brittany Burton, about the ins and outs of pain control in labor.

Terms

Anesthesia: a medical intervention that prevents patients from feeling pain during procedures like surgery, certain screening and diagnostic tests, and tissue sample removal.

Perioperative: Around the time of surgery. This usually lasts from the time the patient goes into the hospital or doctor's office for surgery until the time the patient goes home.

Pain Medications (Analgesics) During Labor: medications that relieve pain

Fentanyl: a synthetic opioid.

Morphine: a non-synthetic opioid.

Epidural catheter: a very fine plastic catheter, or tube, that is placed through the skin into the epidural space in your spine. This temporary catheter is left in place for a defined period of time

Epidural space: space filled with fluid that surrounds your spinal cord; like a liquid sleeve around your spinal cord.

NPO: Nothing by mouth.

Aspiration: Breathing in a foreign object (for example, sucking food into the airway).

Spinal Cord: the long, cylindrical structure that connects your brain and lower back. It contains tissues, fluids, and nerve cells

There are five levels, starting at the top and going downward: Cervical (C), Thoracic (T), Lumbar (L), Sacral (S), and Coccygeal (Cx). These main sections include a group of vertebrae, each of which is given a number that increases as you move down the spine.

Spinal headache: caused by leakage of spinal fluid through a puncture hole in the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord. This leakage decreases the pressure exerted by the spinal fluid on the brain and spinal cord, which leads to a headache.

Blood patch: a procedure in which a small volume of your own blood is injected into a patient's epidural space to stop a leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Retained products of conception: intrauterine tissue that develops after conception and persists after medical and surgical pregnancy termination, miscarriage, and vaginal or cesarean delivery. (For example, retained pieces of placenta after delivery).

Postpartum hemorrhage: 1000ml or more of blood loss in the first 24 hours after delivery

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Dr. Jess Daigle, NICU specialist, shares her story of having a a baby in the NICU as well as her professional experience as a physician who cares for preterm babies.

Terms:

Premature infant (premie): babies born more than 3 weeks earlier than their expected due date (i.e. earlier than 37 weeks).

24 weeks | Fetal viability: the point where a baby can survive outside the womb with medical support.

32 weeks | Fetal brain development: the point where your baby no longer needs medication for cognitive support.

34 weeks | Lung development: the point where your baby may or may not need steroids for assistance with lung maturation.

Steroids (Betamethasone): is a steroid that can help speed up lung development in preterm babies.

NICU: the intensive care unit of babies who are sick or born early. Hospitals have different NICU levels that they offer:

Level 1 NICU | Basic care - provide care for healthy full-term babies.

Level 2 NICU| Advanced care - offer care for babies born at or after 32 weeks.

Level 3 NICU| Specialized care - care for very sick babies and offer access to a wide range of pediatric specialists and equipment.

Level 4 NICU| Highest level of care - provides a full range of healthcare providers and equipment for very sick babies.

Neonatologist: a pediatrician who specializes in premature babies or newborns with high-risk or complex health conditions.

Pulmonary surfactant: low levels are noted to cause neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in premature infants.

Progesterone: a hormone produced by the body that plays a role in pregnancy maintenance.

Cervical insufficiency: Inability of the cervix to retain a pregnancy in the absence of signs and symptoms of clinical contractions, labor, or both in the second trimester

LEEP: is a treatment to remove precancerous cells from the cervix. Can be performed in the clinic.

Cold Knife Cone: Similar procedure as a LEEP where more tissue is taken. Performed in the operating room.

Cerclage: a treatment that involves temporarily sewing the cervix closed with stitches. This may help prevent preterm birth.

Jaundice: is an immature liver, which is common in preterm babies.

Aspiration: breathing in a foreign object (for example, sucking food into the airway).

Social worker: helps individuals, groups, and families prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.

Tracheal tube (trach): tube placed in the windpipe to help with breathing.

Ventilator machine (vent): mechanical ventilators are machines that act as bellows to move air in and out of your lungs.

Feeding tube: delivers a liquid nutrition formula directly into your digestive system.

Speech therapy: The goals of speech therapy include improving pronunciation, strengthening the muscles used in speech, and learning to speak correctly.

Links:

PSI (Postpartum Support International): An organization that aims to raise awareness about the emotional changes that women experience during and postpartum by educating and training the community https://www.postpartum.net/about-psi/

Early Childhood Intervention: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/parents/states.html

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Featuring Dr. Brandye Wilson-Manigat (a.k.a. Dr. Brandye), one of the leading experts in Women’s Sexual Health and author of "My Oh My." In this episode we discuss how women can reconnect with their passion, excitement, and desire so that they get their sexy back

Learn more about Dr. Brandye and her book

drbrandyemd.com

www.youtube.com/@dr.brandyemd5384

Terms:

Low libido: a decrease in sexual desire.

Menopause: diagnosed after you've gone 12 months without a menstrual period.

Postpartum depression: a medical condition that many women get after having a baby. It's strong feelings of sadness, anxiety, and tiredness that last for greater than 2 weeks after giving birth.

Adrenal fatigue: tiredness and other symptoms which are thought to be due to long-term exposure to stressful situations.

Autonomic nervous system: a component of the nervous system that regulates involuntary processes like heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, digestion, and sexual arousal.

Pelvic Floor muscle: The muscles of the pelvis that support the body. Can be affected by pregnancy, traumatic birth, weight gain, chronic cough, etc.

Urinary Incontinence (UI): involuntary loss or leaking of urine

Stress UI: when your bladder leaks urine during physical activity or exertion.

Urge UI: the sudden and very intense need to pass urine and you're unable to delay going to the toilet.

Endometriosis: a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, which can cause severe pain in the pelvis and make it harder to get pregnant.

Fibroids: usually noncanceroustumors made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue that develop in the uterus.

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors): A class of medications used in the treatment of major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and other psychological conditions. Works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain

Antipsychotics: a type of psychiatric medication to treat psychosis.

Antihypertensives: Medications that lower blood pressure.

Beta-blockers - a type of antihypertensive that causes the heart to beat more slowly and with less force.

Diuretics - a type of antihypertensive that helps reduce fluid buildup in the body.

Testosterone pellet therapy: can help improve a postmenopausal women’s sex drive and decrease vaginal dryness.

Placebo: a harmless pill, medicine, or procedure prescribed more for the psychological benefit to the patient than for any physiological effect.

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We chat about fitness in pregnancy and postpartum with Dr. Aldene Zeno urogynecologist, fitness enthusiast, and author of “Thriving Through Pregnancy with Fitness and Black Mama Magic.”

Learn more about Dr. Aldene and her book “Thriving Through Pregnancy with Fitness and Black Mama Magic.”

https://draldene.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Thriving-through-Pregnancy-Fitness-Black/dp/B0CSX4SJHK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4D3VVNZIJ1AL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.BCdcKC8fv9rSLEgwfzo0Tg.ltBpSftCdIa7ZpDpGf3fhZkyq7H-AhqHP-UKgB08c7o&dib_tag=se&keywords=aldene+zeno&qid=1709482319&sprefix=aldene+zeno%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-1

Terms:

• Urogynecology: a specialized field of gynecology and obstetrics that deals with female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.
• BSN: Bachelor of Science in Nursing refers to someone who has earned a bachelor's degree in nursing.
• Urinary Incontinence
• Stress: when your bladder leaks urine during physical activity or exertion.

• Urge: the sudden and very intense need to pass urine and you're unable to delay going to the toilet.

• Fecal Incontinence: when you are not able to hold your feces or stool until you get to a toilet.

• Prolapse: when the uterus, bowel, bladder, or top of the vagina slips down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina.
• PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, which are male sex hormones that are usually present in women in small amounts.
• Male factor infertility: caused by factors such as abnormal sperm production, blockage of delivery of sperm or low sperm production.
• IUD: a type of long-acting, reversible contraception (LARC) that provides birth control for 3 - 12 years depending on the type. Can be hormonal or non-hormonal.
• BMI: a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.

• Screens for weight categories may lead to health problems, but it does not diagnose the body fatness or health of an individual.

• ACOG: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is a professional association of physicians specializing in obstetrics and gynecology in the United States.

• Hypoglycemia: a condition in which your blood sugar (glucose) level is lower than the standard range.
• Labor down: the process of not actively pushing once you are fully dilated to 10cm.

• Some people wait one to two hours before pushing, which allows the baby to move down the birth canal naturally.

• Rectus diastasis: an increased distance between a part of the abdominal muscles at the midline caused by weakness in the anterior abdominal wall.

• Pelvic floor therapy: Physical therapist trained to evaluate and treat issues that involve the pelvis, such as pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, or leaking urine.
• Pelvic Floor muscle: The muscles of the pelvis that support the body. Can be affected by pregnancy, traumatic birth, weight gain, chronic cough, etc.
• Kegels: Exercise used to contract your pelvic floor. Think: holding your pee when you go to the bathroom—same muscles.
• Mastitis: inflammation that results in breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness of breast tissue that sometimes involves an infection.
• Most commonly affects women who are breast-feeding

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Welcome back to Season 2 of The Birth Squad Podcast!

Dr. Ijeoma Okwandu and Dr. Kimeshia Thomas, share what you can expect this season.

Tune in every other Sunday to The Birth Squad to discuss pregnancy, reproductive health, and all things in between.

Visit thebirthsquad.com

Connect with us on social media!Instagram: @thebirthsquad X: @_thebirthsquadFacebook: thebirthsquad

Use the hashtag for this podcast is #thebirthsquad #thebirthsquadpodcast

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Dr. Ijeoma Okwandu and Dr. Kimeshia Thomas recap some highlights and reflect on season 1 of The Birth Squad.

Join us next season to discuss reproductive health, gynecology, and all things in between.

Do you want to be featured? Are there topics you want to hear more about? Hit us up!

Instagram: @thebirthsquad | Twitter: @_thebirthsquad | Email: yourbirthsquad@gmail.com Follow, tag us, share, and repost!

Use the hashtag #thebirthsquadpodcast and #thebirthsquad

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Meet Brandon, a badass birth supporter who shares how he supported his partner, navigated relationship dynamics, and the challenges of pregnancy and labor from the lens of a father.

Follow and tag us on Instagram: @thebirthsquad | Twitter: @_thebirthsquad

Use hashtags #thebirthsquad and #thebirthsquadpodcast

Episode Notes

Terms

Fibroids: fibroids are benign/non-cancerous masses made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue that develop in the uterus. It’s estimated that up to 80% of women have fibroids, but most will not develop symptoms or need treatment. Symptoms include pelvic pressure, heavy or prolonged periods. During pregnancy, they are often asymptomatic. In the setting of larger fibroids, they may increase risk of fetal growth restriction, pain during pregnancy, or heavy bleeding postpartum

Tdap: A vaccine that protects against a viral disease called pertussis (aka Whooping cough). This contagious disease can be very serious in babies. One-half of babies who get pertussis end up in the hospital. While there is a vaccine for pertussis, babies can’t get it until they are 2 months old. You can protect your newborn by getting vaccinated with TDAP when you are pregnant as well as anyone who will be in close contact with baby. The ideal time is between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Studies show the Tdap vaccine reduces pertussis in infants whose moms got Tdap during pregnancy and reduces hospitalizations from pertussis in these infants.

Resources

Find a doula: www.dona.org

https://www.blackwomenbirthingjustice.com/black-doula-locator

Sample Birth Plans:

https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/how-to-write-a-birth-plan https://www.thebump.com/a/tool-birth-plan

Contact Brandon

Instagram: @thegriotb

Schoolyard Rap: https://www.schoolyardrap.com/Musical

Griot B on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/032PTKNjK5wizICJDFersE?si=Ve8yxauZQaaFlcLcw7FelA

200 seconds song on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/032PTKNjK5wizICJDFersE?si=Ve8yxauZQaaFlcLcw7FelA⁠

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You can find out more information about Dr. Chatterjee and her practice at Meridian Psychiatric Partners. You can also follow Meridian on Facebook and Instagram!

Articles:

The Roles of Maternal Depression, Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Treatment, and Concomitant Benzodiazepine Use on Infant Neurobehavioral Functioning Over the First Postnatal Month

Terms:

• Preconception counseling: an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss and plan future pregnancies. Family history, risk factors, medical conditions, and lifestyle are discussed.
• Cystic Fibrosis: a genetic condition that affects a protein in the body.
• Sickle Cell: an inherited blood disorder in which red blood cells form into a sickle shape which can block blood flow causing pain (sickle cell crisis)
• Ferning: Amniotic fluid crystallizes in a fernlike pattern when dried on a glass slide
• Rupture of membranes: the sac (amniotic membrane) surrounding your baby breaks (ruptures)
• Fetal Heart Rate Tracing: monitoring of the baby’s heart rate.
• Acceleration: When the fetal heart rate goes up indicating good oxygenation.

• Deceleration: A drop in the fetal heart rate, which can indicate fetal head compression, umbilical cord compression, or a decrease in oxygenation.

• Postpartum anxiety: characterized by excessive worrying that occurs after childbirth. Those with postpartum anxiety may feel consumed with worry and constantly nervous or panicked.

• Baby blues: Changes in mood that result from the loss of hormones experienced after birth. Occur in the first days after birth up to 14 days.
• Fourth trimester: Often referred to as the 12-week period after giving birth. It is a period of adjustment as the baby adjusts to being in a new environment and birth warriors adjust to parenthood.
• SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors): A class of medications used in the treatment of major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and other psychological conditions. Works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain
• SSNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors): A class of medications that in the treatment of major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social phobia, among other conditions
• PPHN (Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn): a rare condition in which the normal circulatory transition after birth does not happen. Babies may have symptoms such as fast breathing, fast heart rate, grunting or moaning when breathing, decreased oxygenation
• Neonatal adaptation syndrome: Symptoms may include poor muscle tone, tremors, jitteriness, irritability, seizures, feeding difficulties, sleep disturbances, low blood sugar, and respiratory distress. Has no long-term consequences for the baby.

Links:

• PSI (Postpartum Support International): An organization that aims to raise awareness about the emotional changes that women experience during and postpartum by educating and training the community

https://www.postpartum.net/about-psi/ * MotherToBaby: An organization that is a source of evidence-based information on the benefit or risk of medications and other exposures (eg. vaccines, chemicals, herbal products) during pregnancy and while breastfeeding

https://mothertobaby.org/

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Meet Letitia, a badass birth warrior who discusses her infertility journey and a "geriatric pregnancy"Follow and tag us on  Instagram: @thebirthsquad | Twitter: @_thebirthsquadUse hashtags  #thebirthsquad and #thebirthsquadpodcast----Episode NotesLinkshttps://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/pregnancy/pregnancy-after-age-35Terms AMA (advanced maternal age) - a birthing individual age 35 or older  Amniocentesis - a diagnostic procedure to obtain amniotic fluid with fetal cells. Offered to anyone over 35 or with an abnormal genetic screening  NST (non-stress test) - fetal heart rate monitoring for 20 minutes to assess fetal well being  PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) - a constellation of symptoms with irregular periods or absence of a period being the main finding. Also, notable for excess hair growth and acne. Can be associated with infertility or increased risk for abnormal uterine cells.Tests for infertility  AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) - test to assess ovaries receptivity to infertility treatments (i.e. how hard or easy will it be to get you pregnant) Pelvic Ultrasound - abdominal and vaginal ultrasound to look at your uterus and ovaries.  Saline Sonogram - ultrasound procedure that instills water into your uterus to determine if there is abnormal tissue inside  Hydrosalpingogram - x-ray procedure where they inject dye in your uterus to determine if your fallopian tubes are open. Follicle count - an ultrasound exam by a GYN or fertility specialist to assess the number of follicles your ovaries have. Also, a way for them to determine how easy or hard it will be to get you pregnant. Semen analysis - assessment of sperm count, morphology, and motility. Is it normal or not?Ovulation induction medications:  medications that encourage ovulation  Clomid - ovulation induction medication with the highest risk for multiples Letrozole - ovulation induction medication better for PCOS patients and lower the risk of multiples Neonatologist - high-risk OB who specializes in complicated pregnancies or pregnancy disorders. Doula - a birthing coach who offers prenatal visits, labor support, and postpartum assistance. Cannot deliver babies  Induction - medications used to start labor Birth center - a place where you can deliver if you are low risk. Usually run by midwives  Midwife - a licensed nurse who can deliver low-risk infants --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-birth-squad/message

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Meet Jess, a badass birth warrior who discusses her miscarriage and rainbow baby Follow and tag us on Instagram: @thebirthsquad | Twitter: @_thebirthsquadUse hashtags #thebirthsquad and #thebirthsquadpodcast

Episode Notes

Links

Jess' Blog: https://collective.world/i-had-a-miscarriage-on-the-first-day-of-2022-but-im-starting-2023-as-a-new-mother/?utm_campaign=cw-email&utm_source=article-published&utm_medium=jessy_lynn_g

Micronized Vaginal Progesterone to prevent miscarriage: https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(19)32762-0/fulltext#:~:text=The%20PROMISE%20

Optimal Timing of Induction of Labor: https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(22)00742-6/fulltext

Terms

• Miscarriage: pregnancy loss in the first 12 weeks of gestation or first trimester
• 80% occur in the first trimester

• 50% due to chromosome abnormalities

• Types of miscarriage:

• Missed abortion - no symptoms but the pregnancy stops growing. Diagnosed on ultrasound.
• Threatened abortion - bleeding and cramping, a fetal heartbeat, and the cervix is closed.
• Inevitable abortion - bleeding and cramping, a fetal heartbeat, and the cervix is open. Will likely pass the pregnancy soon.

• Spontaneous abortion - actively passing the pregnancy.

• Retained products of conception: When all the pregnancy tissue does not come out

• Ectopic: a pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus.
• Pitocin: “bonding/love hormone’ your body naturally makes. Pitocin is the synthetic version IV medication that results in regular uterine contractions and dilation

• Side effects - Too frequent contractions but can easily be controlled because they can be started and stopped

• Fetal Heart Rate Tracing: Monitoring of the baby’s heart rate.

• Acceleration: When the fetal heart rate goes up indicating good oxygenation.

• Deceleration: A drop in the fetal heart rate, which can indicate fetal head compression, umbilical cord compression, or a decrease in oxygenation.

• APGAR score: The score Pediatricians assign the baby at minute 1, 5, and 10 minutes of life. A total score of 1 to 10 and the higher the score, the better the baby is doing, with 7, 8, and 9 being normal scores.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Swelling in your hands/wrists that leads to nerve compression and can cause numbness and tingling in one or both of your hands.
• Ulcerative colitis or UC: An inflammatory bowel disease associated with blood in your stool.
• Who's in your squad?:
• OB/GYN: Doctor who can deliver your baby or perform surgery like C-sections.
• Midwife:
• CNM (A certified nurse midwife) - can deliver your baby if you have a vaginal delivery, and also provide routine health care outside of pregnancy.

• LM (licensed midwife) - can provide prenatal care and deliver your baby.

• Doula: A labor coach or birth assistant who can provide prenatal, labor, and postpartum support. This includes helping to create a birth plan, managing pain during delivery, and assisting with breastfeeding/lactation needs.

• Maternal Fetal Medicine: A high-risk OB consultant trained to manage complicated pregnancies and assist your birth provider with your care.
• Anesthesiologist: A doctor who provides pain relief for epidurals or C-sections, but they also put patients to sleep for other surgeries.
• CRNA: Certified registered nurse anesthesiologist. Can also provide pain relief and put patients to sleep for surgeries.
• Resident: A doctor who is in training. This occurs after medical school.
• Birth Center: A facility where you can deliver with minimal interventions.
• Home Birth: When someone delivers at home. Usually, a birth attendant presents to assist.
• Community Hospital: A smaller hospital that serves a specific location.
• Academic Center: A hospital that serves a large population of people. Participates in research and has trainees at different levels, which includes medical students, residents, and other higher education programs. Also, it may have the highest level of care. Usually affiliated with a school like USCF, UCLA, USC, Harvard, etc.

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Meet Sasha, a badass birth warrior who discusses the challenges she faced during pregnancy and describes her experience with pre-eclampsia

Follow and tag us on Instagram: @thebirthsquad | Twitter: @_thebirthsquad

Use hashtags #thebirthsquad and #thebirthsquadpodcast

Episode Notes

Terms:

• IUD: a hormonal or non-hormonal form of birth control
• Nausea and vomiting during Pregnancy:
• Vitamin Bit 6 - prevent nausea
• Doxylamine/ Unisom - prevent nausea and dry out your mouth or mucus membranes

• SE: Makes you sleepy

• Reglan - prevent vomiting

• SE: Stimulates your bowels > diarrhea

• Zofran - prevent vomiting

• SE: Causes constipation

• Used in the first-trimester limited data shows it may cause cleft palate or cardiac abnormalities

• Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Extreme nausea and vomiting that leads to weight loss (usually at least 5% of prepregnancy weight). Sometimes associated with electrolyte abnormalities. Occurs in 0.3 - 3% of pregnancies.

• Depression:
• Baby Blues: Changes in mood that occur as a result of the loss of hormones experienced after birth. Occur in the first days after birth up to 14 days.
• Triage: Location where you are assessed by a nurse prior to being admitted to the hospital. Sometimes if you are not in labor they will send you back home.
• Back Labor: Commonly occurs when that baby is “sunny side up.” Most babies are born looking at the ground.
• IV pain meds: Given to help take the “edge off” pain (Ex: Fentaly, Stadol, Nubian)
• Preeclampsia: High blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy that leads to end organ damage.
• Signs/symptoms include Headache unrelieved by pain medication, vision changes, protein in your urine, elevated liver enzymes, kidney failure, and low platelet levels.

• Treatment: Magnesium is usually used to prevent seizures and IV blood pressure

• Eclampsia: A seizure-related high blood pressure

• Spinal headache: Headache worse with standing or sitting up and improved by lying down. Caused by spinal/epidural.
• Blood patch: Procedure to relieve a spinal headache. Take your own blood to form a clot/patch in the area of the spinal tap.
• Who's in your squad?:
• OB/GYN: Doctor who can deliver your baby or perform surgery like C-sections.
• Midwife:
• CNM (A certified nurse midwife) - can deliver your baby if you have a vaginal delivery, and also provide routine health care outside of pregnancy.

• LM (licensed midwife) - can provide prenatal care and deliver your baby.

• Doula: A labor coach or birth assistant who can provide prenatal, labor, and postpartum support. This includes helping to create a birth plan, managing pain during delivery, and assisting with breastfeeding/lactation needs.

• Maternal Fetal Medicine: A high-risk OB consultant who is trained to manage complicated pregnancies and assist your birth provider with your care.
• Anesthesiologist: A doctor who provides pain relief for epidurals or C-sections, but they also put patients to sleep for other surgeries.
• CRNA: Certified registered nurse anesthesiologist. It can also provide pain relief and put patients to sleep for surgeries.
• Resident: A doctor who is in training. This occurs after medical school.
• Birth Center: A facility where you can deliver with minimal interventions.
• Home Birth: When someone delivers at home. Usually, a birth attendant is present to assist.
• Community Hospital: A smaller hospital that serves a specific location.
• Academic Center: A hospital that serves a large population of people. Participates in research and has trainees at different levels, which includes medical students, residents, and other higher education programs. Also, it may have the highest level of care. Usually affiliated with a school like USCF, UCLA, USC, Harvard, etc.

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Meet Dr. Brittney Johnson, a badass birth warrior who discusses her labor and facing the most common delivery complication- postpartum hemorrhage

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Episode Notes

Articles

NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/02/12/upshot/child-maternal-mortality-rich-poor.html

MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH INEQUALITY: NEW EVIDENCE FROM LINKED ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w30693/w30693.pdf

Breast Feeding Resource: KellyMom.com

Terms:

• IUD: a hormonal or non-hormonal form of birth control.
• Skyla - hormonal lasts up to 3 years
• Kyleena - hormonal lasts up to 5 years
• Liletta - hormonal last up to 7 years (very similar to Mirena)
• Mirena - hormonal lasts up to 8 years (increased from 5 years)

• Paragard - non-hormonal/copper lasts up to 12 years (increased from 10 years)

• Ovulation sticks vs LH kits: a hormone that is detected in your urine that lets you know when you are ovulating

• Ectopic: a pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus.
• Miscarriage: pregnancy loss in the first 12 weeks of gestation or first trimester
• 80% occur in the first trimester

• 50% due to chromosome abnormalities

• Full term: 37 weeks of pregnancy to 40 weeks, your due date

• Postpartum hemorrhage: 1000+ blood loss in first 24hrs after delivery
• Management for postpartum hemorrhage
• Medical interventions - Uterotonics: Medications to help stop bleeding
• Pitocin given intravenously (IV)
• Methergine given as an injection
• Cannot give if you have high blood pressure

• Side effect is high blood pressure

• Hemabate given as an injection

• Cannot give if you have bad asthma

• Side effect is diarrhea (sorry!)

• Cytotec, pills given orally or rectally

• Side effect is fever

• Tranexamic acid (TXA) given in the IV

• Mechanical interventions:

• Bakri: Balloon placed in the uterus to apply pressure and drain the uterus

• Vaginal pack: gauze placed in the vaginal to apply pressure

• Surgical interventions for PPH:

• Dilation and Curettage (D&C): removal of contents of the uterus
• Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): Procedure performed by Interventional Radiology (IR) to place medicine in the artery that supplies blood flow to the uterus.

• Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus completely

• Anemia in Pregnancy

• First trimester – Hemoglobin <11 g/dL (approximately equivalent to a hematocrit <33 percent)
• Second trimester – Hemoglobin <10.5 g/dL (approximate hematocrit <31 or 32 percent)
• Third trimester – Hemoglobin level <10.5 to 11 g/dL (approximate hematocrit <33 percent)

• Symptoms: fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and headache

• Lactation consultant: people trained to help with breastfeeding

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Meet Samantha, a badass birth warrior who discusses postpartum bladder leaks, sex, pelvic prolapse, and her journey to postpartum pelvic floor recovery.

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Episode Notes

Terms:

• Induction: The process of starting labor with mechanical or chemical medications
• Augmentation: The process of continuing labor with medications
• Fetal Heart Rate Tracing: Monitoring of the baby’s heart rate.
  • Acceleration: When the fetal heart rate goes up indicating good oxygenation.
  • Deceleration: A drop in the fetal heart rate, which can indicate fetal head compression, umbilical cord compression, or a decrease in oxygenation.
• APGAR score: The score Pediatricians assign the baby at minute 1, 5, and 10 minutes of life. The total score of 1 to 10 and the higher the score, the better the baby is doing, with 7, 8, and 9 being normal scores.
• TOLAC: Trail of Labor after Cesarean Section.
• VBAC: Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Section.
• Uterine rupture: When the muscle of the uterus opens. A medical emergency that requires immediate delivery of the baby.
• NICU: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  • Where the baby has to go at times to help with issues such as supplemental oxygen or treatment for infection.
• Pelvic Floor Therapy: Physical therapist trained to evaluate and treat issues that involve the pelvis, such as pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, or leaking urine.
• Pelvic Floor muscle: The muscles of the pelvis that support the body. Can be affected by a pregnancy, traumatic birth, weight gain, chronic cough, etc.
• Kegels: Exercise used to contract your pelvic floor. Think: about holding your pee when you go to the bathroom. Same muscles.
• Electromyography: Study of the electrical activities of the muscles to access muscle and nerve health.
• Baby blues: Changes in mood that occur as a result of the loss of hormones experienced after birth. Occur in the first days after birth up to 14 days.
• Dyspareunia: Pain with intercourse. This can be due to vaginal dryness, pelvic floor muscle tightness, scar tissue, etc.

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Meet Sierra, a badass birth warrior who discusses how she made the decision to deliver at a birth center, breaking the news to her family, and how she mentally prepared herself for delivery.

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Episode Notes

Articles:

1. Benefits of doulas https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5538578/
2. Types of racism and implications for medicine https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1446334/
3. Disparities in various specialties in OB/GYN https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5024373/
4. Structural racism and obstetrics https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1073110520958875
5. Morbidity or mortality in the US https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25560097/
6. Dr. Okwandu's original research study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34254270/

The Mama Natural Book https://www.mamanatural.com/book/week-by-week-guide-pregnancy-childbirth/

How to find a doula: www.dona.org and https://www.blackwomenbirthingjustice.com/black-doula-locator

Definitions

Early labor: This is part of the first stage of labor from the onset of contractions until the cervix is 5 cm. Early labor is unpredictable. For first-time birthing individuals, the average length ranges from hours to days, but it's often shorter for subsequent deliveries.

Active labor: Also part of the first stable of labor. Active labor is the time when the cervix is 6 cm to 10 cm (fully dilated). It lasts about 4 to 8 hours. It starts when contractions are regular. During active labor. Contractions get stronger, longer, and more painful.

Second stage of labor: In the second stage of labor is when the cervix is fully dilated and ready to start pushing to give birth. For first-time birthing individuals, this stage can take up to 4 hours

Third stage of labor: The third stage of labor refers to the time between when the baby is born to when the placenta is delivered.

Home remedies that can induce labor (consult your medical provider before attempting)

1. Loose-leaf raspberry tea
2. Medjool dates Exercise
3. Nipple stimulation
4. Intercourse, orgasm
5. Castor oil

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Meet Onyi, a badass birth warrior who shares the difficult decisions made during her labor induction experience.

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Episode Notes

Contraception - Forms of medication that prevent someone from conceiving. Common options include (in order from most to least efficacious):

• Subcutaneous implant or Nexplanon: Last 3 yrs
• Copper/Paraguard IUD (No hormones): Last 12 yrs
• Mirena IUD (Most Hormones of IUDs) Last for 8 yrs
• Kylenna IUD (Hormonal):| Last 5 yrs
• Syla IUD (Least Hormones): Last for 3 yrs
• Depo shot: Last 3 mo (can cause delayed return to fertility)
• Vaginal Ring: Last 3 wks
• Patch: Last for 3 wks
• Birth control pill: Take daily
• Vaginal insert/Phexxi (No hormones): Lasts 1 hr

Information to keep in mind for anyone interested in vaginal delivery after a cesarean section--

TOLAC - Trial of Labor After Cesarean

• Term used when you are in labor
• Option for someone who has had one or two cesarean sections
• Should make sure your doctor is comfortable offering this
  • Some physicians only feel comfortable if you have had one cesarean section
• Should make sure your hospital is capable of offering t his
  • Most have policies around TOLAC
• Risk that your scar could open, which is an emergency. Please discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider if you are interested in this.

VBAC - Vaginal Birth After Cesarean

• Term used when you have delivered a child vaginally
• Good indicator that you will have another vaginal delivery

Vaginal lacerations are very common during vaginal deliveries. There are four types:

• 1st degree - vaginal tissue tears. It may or may not need repair.
• 2nd degree - some of the vaginal muscle is torn. (Most common)
• 3rd degree - vaginal muscle is torn and part or all of the rectal muscle.
• 4th degree - complete tear thru all the vaginal and rectal tissue.

ARRIVE Clinical Trial: Induction of labor at 39 weeks in low-risk nulliparous women did not result in a significantly lower frequency of a composite adverse perinatal outcome, but it did result in a significantly lower frequency of cesarean delivery. (Funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1800566

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Meet Renesha, a badass birth warrior who shares how she created a birth plan and how her experience at a birth center took a surprising turn.

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Episode Notes

Sample Birth Plans:

1. https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/how-to-write-a-birth-plan
2. https://www.thebump.com/a/tool-birth-plan

Transformed by Birth book: https://brittabushnell.com/book/

Infertility/Conception Treatment Methods

• OI | ovulation induction - where a doctor gives you medication to take, which can help you ovulate and become pregnant. Examples: Clomid or Letrozole.
• IUI | intrauterine insemination - where semen is injected into the uterus artificially. Depending on the country, it can be performed at home or in the doctor's office. Additionally can be a known donor (e.g. friend or partner) or an unknown donor.
• Egg retrieval - where a trained fertility specialist removes eggs that they will freeze for future use. Requires you to inject the medication at home and have close follow-up. Can then choose to have semen placed in an egg to create an embryo. This is what is used for IVF.
• IVF | in vitro fertilization - where a trained fertility specialist takes an embryo, yours or a donor’s, and surgically places it into the uterus to help someone become pregnant.
• Doula: a trained labor and postpartum support person.
• Find a doula: www.dona.org and https://www.blackwomenbirthingjustice.com/black-doula-locator
• If you are concerned about yourself or a friend who may have depression please contact your healthcare provider, or encourage them to.
• Therapy for Black Girls Directory: https://providers.therapyforblackgirls.com/
• To find a therapist covered by your insurance: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

Home remedies that can induce labor

1. Loose-leaf raspberry tea
2. Medjool dates Exercise
3. Nipple stimulation
4. Intercourse, orgasm
5. Castor oil

Definitions:

1. Midwife- CNM | Certified Nurse Midwife - nursing degree + additional midwifery training. Have full prescriptive rights. Can provide care across all life cycle
2. CPM vs LM | Certified Professional Midwife vs Licensed Midwife - Midwifery training only. Can provide care throughout pregnancy and up to 6 weeks postpartum
3. Family Medicine Physician - a doctor trained to care for men, women, and children. Some obtain extra education to provide obstetric care and delivery, which may or may not include cesarean sections
4. OB/GYN - a doctor trained in women’s health. Can provide full-scope care for obstetric and not obstetric care

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Welcome to The Birth Squad.  Meet hosts and experts Drs. Ijeoma Okwandu and Kimeshia Thomas, two board-certified OB/GYNs who happen to be best friends. Tea is spilt in this episode as Ijeoma & Kimehsia share why they started The Birth Squad and what topics will be discussed when you tune in.

Join The Birth Squad every other Sunday to discuss reproductive health, gynecology, and all things in between.

Follow and tag us on  Instagram: @thebirthsquad | Twitter: @_thebirthsquad

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Welcome to The Birth Squad:  a podcast hosted by two board-certified Obstetrician & Gynecologists: Dr. Ijeoma Okwandu and Dr. Kimeshia Thomas, who are long-time best friends. Tune into The Birth Squad to discuss reproductive health, gynecology, and all things in between. 

The hashtag for this podcast is #thebirthsquad. 

Connect with us on social media!

Instagram: @thebirthsquad 

Twitter: @_thebirthsquad

Facebook: thebirthsquad