Mom Chat with Mamistad on Pregnancy and New Motherhood

In May of 2024, I recorded what is to-date, the most popular episode of Mom Chat with Mamistad. It isEpisode 9: Real Deal Mamahood with Mamistad 144, featuring a group I started in the Arlington, Virginia area. Three of its members, Michelle, Temi, and Natallia, blew me away with how honest and open they were, sharing both the highs and lows of new motherhood and the real impact their mom group has had on them, their kids, and their families. Theirs is exactly the kind of group I hope every Mamistad member, every mom really, gets to experience. In a world where genuine connection can be so hard to find and community often feels elusive, I hope more moms will seek out mom groups wherever they can find them. You can absolutely do new motherhood alone. But it's so much easier when you share it with other moms. *Natallia shared more of her amazing IVF journey on Ep.16 IVF for a 3rd Baby - The Journey to My Daughter w/Natallia of Mamistad 144*See Temi's travel website here: https://withkidstravel.com/Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ for a full list of all episodes.Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

Feeding, sleeping, pooping, and playing - these are the the basic functions we expect from our babies and its likely not until we face a problem in these areas that we really think about our little one's musculoskeletal well-being. We are delighted to chat with Dr. Kristi Hammerle, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist. Dr. Kristi founded Year One Wellness in Austin, TX, focusing on early childhood wellness and personalized care for families and babies from birth through walking.Year One Wellness was named WINNER OF BEST PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPISTS in the ATX Best in Birth Awards in 2023 and 2024.Year One Wellness offers physical and occupational therapy services to infants and toddlers facing various challenges, including but not limited to:Torticollis (tight neck)Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome)Gross and fine motor milestone delaysTethered oral tissues (tongue/lip ties)Bottle feeding and breastfeeding difficultiesStarting solids & picky eatingYear One Wellness also offers in-person BABY PLAY classes and virtual motor milestone checks for families everywhere. You can learn more about these services on their website or at mamistad.com.Find Dr. Kristi and Year One Wellness...Online: https://www.yearonewellness.com/On Instagram: @yearonewellnessVisit Mamistad.com for more information about Mamistad and to learn about our groups. As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit Mom Chat with Mamistad to:Share your episode ideaSee a list of all episodesSee episodes from our "The Stuff No One Tells You" collection!Thank you for your continued support!Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.***Disclaimer: Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

In this episode we're joined by Chandler Lipe, Founder & Owner of The Den - a social club for families in Denver unlike any other!I wanted to chat with Chandler not just because she's an amazing entrepreneur and mother, but because I LOVE the vision and heart behind what she does. Chandler faced two difficult pregnancies and ISOLATION played a major role in both. She transformed that struggle into fuel for her mission to create something better - for other parents.Her dream? "to provide a supportive and dignified experience for anyone navigating the parenthood journey and searching for something different."Her preparation? As a phone line operator for Postpartum Support International, Chandler was honored to be welcomed into the lives of hundreds of strangers in need during a hard time in their lives. She was moved to become a better listener. She also became fascinated with the concept of matrescence. ANOTHER COMMON THEME WITH OUR AMAZING GUESTS! She studied with ​reproductive psychologist and matrescence authority, Aurélie Athan, Ph.D. who teaches that "matrescence, like adolescence, is a stage of human physical, psychological, social & spiritual development."As Chandler puts it: "The concept of The Den came about as a place to combine the resourcing that Postpartum Support International provides, plus the validation that comes from data and research, plus the community we're all hungry for,plus a space that's beautiful and uplifting where we can be reminded of our whole selves."The result? The Den Family Social is a true gathering place for families—a space "lovingly designed for adults and children in equal measure." It features a kid-friendly coffee shop, social play areas, a crafts room, classes, meetups, and so much more.The Den has become a favorite spot for many of our Mamistad Denver group members. Mamistad is excited to share the inspiring vision of THE DEN and its important message to PARENTS EVERYWHERE: "When parents are resourced and in community, they have the opportunity to shift their paradigm from meeting requirements, scarcity, and desperation to fulfillment, abundance, and inspiration. When people are in community with each other, they do more than survive—they're invited to thrive."Visit The Den...​On IG: @thedenfamilysocial​Website: https://www.thedendenver.com/Learn more about MATRESCENCE and Reproductive psychologist Aurélie Athan, Ph.D.: https://www.matrescence.com/​More on Texas Coffee School: texascoffeeschool.com/Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ to:Share your episode ideaSee a list of all episodesSee the episodes that make up our "The Stuff No One Tells You" collection!Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

Perinatal trauma is more common than we realize, and when ignored, it can have a profound effect on our lives as mothers and consequently, on our families.We welcome Licensed & Certified Trauma and Perinatal Mental Health Therapist,Sultana Karim to discuss trauma and other perinatal struggles. She's a powerhouse who has created a passion out of her pain.As a mother herself, Sultana struggled in pregnancy with anxiety and depression and then in postpartum after experiencing birth trauma and a NICU stay for her baby. She has also experienced pregnancy loss and is a survivor of childhood trauma. Sultana has advanced training and extensive experience in trauma, domestic violence, sexual trauma, infertility counseling, perinatal mental health, perinatal loss, abortion mental health support, attachment & childhood trauma. She's the Owner & Perinatal and Trauma Therapist at Karim Counseling Services, PLLC.Sultana is not only a therapist, she's living proof that good therapy can heal many wounds. Highlights:01:29 Understanding Trauma and Therapy05:22 Postpartum Challenges and Support16:53 The Importance of Cultural Understanding in Therapy20:07 Addressing Perinatal Loss23:04 Understanding Miscarriage and Emotional Healing23:39 The Importance of Seeking Support25:44 Challenges of Parenting with a Partner in Law Enforcement and Military28:06 Coping Strategies and Therapy32:02 The Role of Self-Care in Parenting33:27 Creating a Supportive Village39:45 Specialized Services for MomsSultana was a client of, and highly recommends Premier Birth Center in Chantilly, VA. :)Contact Sultana:Sultana Karim, M.A., LCPC, LPC, CCTP, PMH-COwner/PsychotherapistKarim Counseling Services, PLLCw: karimcounseling.orge: [email protected] a Free Monthly Virtual Perinatal Loss Support Group on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 12pm (for mothers who had miscarriage(s), TMFR, & still birth)- to register: email me or visit my contact page here: www.karimcounseling.org/contact/ -Offering a Virtual Perinatal DBT group for overwhelmed and exhausted pregnant and postpartum moms - up to 5 years postpartum- starting 9/18/25 from 7pm-8:30pm, register here: www.karimcounseling.org/group-therapy-for-moms/ -Fast Healing, Lasting Change with EMDR Therapy Intensives: a powerful mind-body therapt that accelerates healing, processes trauma faster, and helps you feel like yourself again. Specialized in process traumatic birth or grief, & past trauma that impacts your parenting; more on my website at www.karimcounseling.org/emdr-intensives/Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ to:Share your episode ideaSee a list of all episodesSee the episodes that make up our "The Stuff No One Tells You" collection!Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

In today's episode, we learn that hormones and pregnancy can be fun - when you discuss them with the most entertaining board-certified OBGYN and truthteller I know, Dr. Shweta Patel.We discuss her books The Book of Hormones , The Book of Pregnancy and soon, The Book of Down Under. They are part of what will be a collection of 4 books she calls The Book Of Her: Series on Women's Health And Wellness.Dr. Patel was commissioned into the US Navy and served for 13 years as a medical officer. She then moved to Florida and where she provided obstetrical and gynecological care in person, until the pandemic inspired her to create Gaya Wellness-a platform that provides women with virtually comprehensive and convenient healthcare and wellness. Today, Dr. Patel will help us better understand the role of hormones in our pregnancies, as well as the the lovely symptoms they can cause. We'll also touch on the importance of nutrition and sleep and their impact on our hormonal health whether we're pregnant or not. Connect with Dr. Patel at: https://gayawellness.org/and on Instagram: @gaya_wellnessHer books are available on Amazon: The Book Of Her: Series on Women's Health And Wellness⁠The Book Of Hormones: The Ultimate Playbook For Women's Health And Hormonal Balance Through Every Stage Of Life (The Book Of Her: Series on Women's Health And Wellness) (November 30, 2024)It's phenomenal! ~Mamistad :)The Book Of Pregnancy: The Ultimate Playbook To An Empowered Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum On YOUR Terms (The Book Of Her: Series on Women's Health And Wellness) Paperback – March 17, 2025Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ to:Share your episode ideaSee a list of all episodesSee the episodes that make up our "The Stuff No One Tells You" collection!Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

How you choose to deliver your baby should absolutely be your decision and based on your pregnancy and personal needs. In this episode, we explore the option of midwifery with ​Hilary Biesecker, Certified Nurse Midwife, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse & Founder Loudoun Homebirth & Healthcare.Hilary began her path to midwifery in 1999 as a certified doula. She then earned an undergraduate nursing degree and practiced as a L&D nurse while earning her graduate degree in Nursing -midwifery. She has attended more than 600 births and has naturally birthed her own four children - the final two as she says, "into the loving hands of midwives".Hiliary believes in helping parents learn about their options ​while respecting their decisions so that everybody in the delivery room is on the same page.She feels every woman deserves to feel supported, respected and heard during her pregnancy, delivery and postpartum.Timestamps to our topics: 00:00 Introduction to Mamistad and Mom Chat00:40 Exploring Midwifery with Hillary Beker02:06 Hillary Beker's Journey to Midwifery03:06 The Importance of Natural Birth07:16 Challenges and Realities of Hospital Births09:21 Empowering Women Through Informed Choices14:51 Historical Context and Midwifery's Role25:48 Personal Stories and Family Experiences28:42 Home Birth Journey Begins29:34 Discovering Midwifery30:30 Advocating for Home Birth32:17 Midwifery in Different Cultures33:00 The Role of Black Midwives34:11 Becoming a Midwife36:03 Midwifery Practice and Philosophy45:29 Supporting Mothers Post-Birth49:02 Home Birth Transfers52:05 Resources and Support for Mothers53:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts​You can find Hilary at Loudoun Homebirth & Healthcare and The Body, Birth, and Baby Center.The famous Ina May Gaskin, author of countless books on midwifery and childbirth who is known as the “mother of authentic midwifery.” once said:Whenever and however you give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body, and your spirit for the rest of your life. Find more on​ her here: https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/ina-may-gaskin/Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ to:Share your episode ideaSee a list of all episodesSee the episodes that make up our "The Stuff No One Tells You" collection!Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.

Our esteemed guest, Denise Stern, is a mother of three and Founder and CEO of Let Mommy Sleep - a nationally acclaimed company that offers a simple service: nurturing, overnight care to newborns and evidence-based education to their parents.Let Mommy Sleep has become the country’s leading Baby Nurse and Postpartum Care service by building and maintaining a team of newborn care experts, baby nurses (RN/LPN) and postpartum doulas across the US. They support families with single babies, twins & triplets with services including:Newborn CareBaby Basics ClassPostpartum VisitsSleep TrainingCorporate CareDenise is also an advocate for working families on the national stage, working with expecting parents, families with small children, and mothers transitioning back into the workplace after childbirth.Let Mommy Sleep is the country's only newborn care franchise and their non-profit, Mission Sleep, provides free care to military and first responder families whose babies arrive when a partner is deployed, wounded or deceased.Denise continues to be a sought after contributor to local and national media appearing on such outlets as NPR, What to Expect, Care.com, The Associated Press and the Washington Post and now, Mom Chat! :)In this episode, Denise shares why she believes whole-heartedly in her work that was born out of her own life experiences. She has some wise words for us about the importance of support during the critical newborn period. Times have changed and we owe it to ourselves to change the way we look at newborn care. Just Googling Denise Stern will bring up TONS about her and if you want to learn more about her services, find everything you need at: https://letmommysleep.com/Visit us at ⁠Mamistad.com⁠ for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.Visit ⁠MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD⁠ to:Share your episode ideaSee a list of all episodesSee the episodes that make up our "The Stuff No One Tells You" collection!Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other. Mamistad,Cynthia~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.*Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.