Birth Is An Art, Not A Checklist

From The Postpartum Standard by Toni Toomey

January 21, 2026 · 41 min · Season 1 · Episode 5

About this episode

Toni Toomey interviews Dr. Daniel Niku about the artistic aspects of obstetrics and the importance of communication and advocacy in childbirth and postpartum care.

In this episode of The Postpartum Standard, Toni Toomey sits down with Dr. Daniel Niku, a Beverly Hills OB-GYN who believes obstetrics is an art, not just a medical process. They talk about how to choose a provider you can truly communicate with, what questions to ask before labor starts, and how to advocate for yourself without feeling adversarial. Dr. Niku shares what he wishes every woman knew before walking into an OB’s office, how to separate social media fear from real risk, and the small things that can support a smoother labor, from movement and positioning to pelvic floor prep. They also dig into postpartum, including why earlier follow-ups matter, what clinicians look for with postpartum anxiety and depression, and how support, nutrition, and routine can make a real difference. If you are pregnant, planning your next birth after a C-section, or navigating postpartum and craving a calmer, more collaborative perspective, this conversation is for you. Find Dr. Niku on social @dannynikumd

People in this episode

Host: Toni Toomey

Guest: Dr. Daniel Niku

Topics covered

birth experience
patient advocacy
postpartum care
OB-GYN insights
labor preparation
mental health

Keywords

birth
OB-GYN
postpartum
advocacy
labor
anxiety
depression
nutrition
support

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Beverly Hills OB-GYN, social media