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

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

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.

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

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.

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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

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

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