Episodios

  • This Week's Hot Topics: What's in a Name Meghan Sussex, Positivity in Mortherhood, Accountability in Politics, Finding the Joy in Everyday Life

    This Week's Hot Topics: What's in a Name Meghan Sussex, Positivity in Mortherhood, Accountability in Politics, Finding the Joy in Everyday Life
    Apr 14 2025
    In this Hot Topics episode of Healing After Birth, hosts Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole delve into the public's reaction to Meghan Markle's new Netflix show, discussing the societal backlash against her portrayal of a 'soft life' and the microaggressions she faces. They also explore the concept of toxic positivity in motherhood, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging negative emotions and the impact of societal expectations on women's experiences. In this conversation, Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole explore the importance of emotional awareness and expression, particularly in the context of mental health challenges faced in today's society. They discuss the need for individuals to feel their emotions fully and the impact of societal pressures on emotional expression. The conversation also delves into the concept of mental siege, highlighting the challenges of maintaining positivity amidst chaos. Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of accountability in politics and community engagement, urging listeners to actively participate in holding elected officials accountable for their actions. The discussion concludes with a light-hearted note on finding joy in everyday life, despite the surrounding challenges.
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    37 m
  • Rhapsodi Pierre-Jacques on How Motherhood Transforms Relationships with Your Partner, Family, and Yourself

    Rhapsodi Pierre-Jacques on How Motherhood Transforms Relationships with Your Partner, Family, and Yourself
    Mar 27 2025
    In this episode of Healing After Birth, organizational coach and new mom Rhapsodi Pierre-Jacques shares her raw and real postpartum journey, highlighting the unexpected challenges of early motherhood. She discusses how her well-structured birth plan didn’t go as expected and how her need for control was tested throughout the process. As a high-achieving professional, Rhapsodi talks about returning to work just weeks after giving birth and the emotional toll of balancing career, motherhood, and personal well-being. She dives deep into postpartum surprises, including the changes in her relationship with her husband, the challenges of setting boundaries with family, and the unspoken struggles of the fourth trimester. With humor and honesty, she reflects on how her expectations around sleep training, breastfeeding, and partner dynamics evolved, and how she is still finding balance nine months into motherhood. She leaves listeners with key takeaways about planning for the Fourth Trimester, adjusting to a new identity, and embracing the messy, beautiful reality of motherhood. Find Rhapsodi on LinkedIn and at introsense.co for coaching and career development insights.
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    58 m
  • Boundaries, Battles, and Breaking Through: Danya Gillard's Healing Journey

    Boundaries, Battles, and Breaking Through: Danya Gillard's Healing Journey
    Mar 13 2025
    In this deeply moving episode of Healing After Birth, hosts Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole sit down with Danya Gilliard to unpack the complexities of motherhood, healing, and resilience. From navigating pregnancy as a single mother to enduring an emotionally taxing custody battle, Danya shares her raw and powerful story of perseverance. She opens up about the boundaries she set (and the ones that were crossed), the physical and emotional toll of childbirth, and the spiritual and mental strength she cultivated to reclaim her life. Together, they explore cultural norms around postpartum boundaries, the impact of unconscious bias in maternal healthcare, and the unexpected ways healing unfolds—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Whether you're a new mom, a seasoned parent, or someone seeking inspiration through life's challenges, this conversation is a testament to the power of faith, self-preservation, and the unyielding love of a mother. Tune in for an honest, heartfelt discussion on what it really takes to heal after birth.
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    1 h y 3 m
  • The Truth About Breastfeeding: Dr. Dianna Dixon on Pumping Smarter, Not Harder

    The Truth About Breastfeeding: Dr. Dianna Dixon on Pumping Smarter, Not Harder
    Mar 6 2025
    This episode of Healing After Birth features Dr. Dianna Dixon, a lactation and postpartum expert, discussing the challenges and realities of breast pumping at work and the lack of awareness surrounding proper pumping techniques, flange sizes, and your rights as a working mom. She shares insights into the Pump Act, the regulation gaps in the breast pump industry, and how many new mothers struggle due to misinformation. Dr. Dixon also introduces her pumping equation framework to help moms find the best pump, flange size, and schedule for their needs. She emphasizes the importance of prenatal preparation for lactation success and how pumping should be a personalized and empowering experience rather than a stressful one. You'll walk away from this discussion equipped with all the info you need to make the decisions that are best for you body, your boobs, and your baby.
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    1 h
  • This Week's Hot Topics: What Is The Contraception Begins At Erection Act & Breastfeeding While Traveling Laws Impacting Moms

    This Week's Hot Topics: What Is The Contraception Begins At Erection Act & Breastfeeding While Traveling Laws Impacting Moms
    Feb 27 2025
    In this engaging episode of "Healing After Birth," co-hosts Nana and Marcia delve into a range of topics affecting mothers today. Nana shares her personal experience with a heart monitor during Heart Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of cardiovascular health at every age. The duo then discusses the provocative "Contraception Begins at Erection Act," exploring its implications for reproductive responsibility and gender dynamics. They also address the challenges breastfeeding mothers face during air travel, emphasizing the need for uniform TSA guidelines to protect breast milk and supplies. Throughout the episode, Nana and Marcia blend humor with heartfelt insights, offering support and advocacy for mothers navigating the complexities of the fourth trimester.
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    33 m
  • Mothering the Mom

    Mothering the Mom
    Nov 21 2024
    In this episode of Healing After Birth, hosts Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole discuss the significance of postpartum nutrition and cultural traditions in maternal health. They are joined by Shafiya M. Monroe, a renowned midwife and author, who shares her insights on the importance of cultural competency in healthcare, traditional birth practices, and the healing power of food. The conversation emphasizes the need for better support for new mothers and the revival of African-American postpartum traditions. This conversation delves into the rich history and legacy of Black midwifery, emphasizing the importance of community support during childbirth, the role of education in midwifery practices, and the cultural shifts that have impacted maternal health. The speakers discuss the need for empowerment through knowledge and intuition, highlighting the significance of understanding one's body and the interconnectedness of health and community.
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    1 h y 2 m
  • The Challenges of Playdates

    The Challenges of Playdates
    Nov 14 2024
    This week’s Hot Topic explores the topic of play dates and how they have evolved over time. Nana and Marcia discuss their own experiences with play dates as children and how they differ from the play dates their children have today. They speculate that the rise of play dates may be due to increased concerns about child safety and the desire for parents to know who their children are playing with. Nana also shares how she uses play dates as an opportunity to observe other parents' parenting styles and determine if their children are a good fit for her daughter. The guest, Tamara Lynn, discusses her own experiences with play dates as a parent and the challenges of coordinating schedules and finding compatible playmates for her child. She also highlights the importance of community and support from other parents in navigating the parenting journey. Tamara Lynn shares her pregnancy journey and the challenges she faced during the pandemic. She discusses the importance of support and the role of her husband in her healing process. Tamara also opens up about her experience with postpartum anxiety and the intrusive thoughts she had. She emphasizes the need for therapy and professional support in managing anxiety. The conversation touches on the anxieties of motherhood, including concerns about safety, bullying, and school shootings. Tamara Lynn discusses her anxiety as a mother and her fears about raising a daughter in a world where women are mistreated. Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo shares her own experiences and offers support, including the idea of using technology to track her child's whereabouts. They discuss the challenges of motherhood and the importance of giving oneself grace. Tamara emphasizes the need to be curious about her daughter's journey and to separate her own experiences and fears from her daughter's. They also discuss the importance of honoring ancestors and connecting to ancient wisdom.
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    1 h y 24 m
  • Managing Trauma and Partnerships After Birth with Dr. Jessica S. Lewis

    Managing Trauma and Partnerships After Birth with Dr. Jessica S. Lewis
    Nov 7 2024
    In this episode of "Healing After Birth," hosts Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole discuss postpartum depression and the role partners play in a new mom's recovery with guest Dr. Jessica S. Lewis, a licensed psychologist, and founder of Becoming the Whole You. The conversation highlights the challenges new mothers face when their partners don't understand or believe the severity of their postpartum struggles. The hosts and Dr. Lewis emphasize the importance of empathy and communication in partnerships during this critical period. They also touch on societal expectations and the need for education and support for both mothers and partners. Dr. Lewis shares her personal experience as a new mom and offers expert insights on trauma-informed care and values-based interventions.
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    50 m
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