Ali Starling joins us to talk about the significant and often under-discussed topic of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD). Ali Starling is an experienced midwife and academic from the University of California San Francisco. We talk about her passions: midwifery, mental health, and the intersection between the two. Our discussion thoroughly explores how new parents can navigate the challenging psychological landscape following childbirth. Listen to learn more about: the nature of PMADs a...
Jun 29, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 112
This episode features Kiran Saluja, the Executive Director of the PHFE WIC (Women Infants Children) Program. She is a respected authority in the field of nutrition and breastfeeding. With a career spanning nearly 40 years, Kiran brings an exceptional depth of knowledge and passion to our discussion. We talk about common breastfeeding challenges and solutions, nutritional guidance, and the significance of building a robust support network, including practical advice on: What Diet to Maintain Whil...
Jun 15, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 111
Here to answer the questions you always wanted to ask is Esther Gallagher, long-time birth and postpartum doula. Top questions on this episode include: Are Doulas Worth It? How Much Do they Cost and how do I get the service paid for? Can doulas bill my insurance / is it covered? What about workplace incentives like Carrot and Hello Cleo? Do doulas charge differently for virtual support? What about Medicaid paying for doulas? I’m someone who has had past trauma and I need special kind of support ...
Jun 01, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 110
Leading pediatric sleep consultant Dr Angelique Millette answers the Top 10 Baby Sleep Questions every parent asks. We discuss real solutions that are safe and developmentally appropriate for your baby. We talk about solutions that really work and give you and your family the rest you need. We all know how important sleep is for our mental and physical wellness, and so we’re diving into the topic with someone who has dedicated her life’s work to family sleep solutions - 25 years helping over 15,...
May 18, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 109
How can partners prepare for the fourth trimester? Sure, we have lots of practical suggestions such as relationship proofing, practical preparation, but there are some big considerations outside the practical. Listen in to learn how to create a level of connectedness that will ease the way for everything else that is to come. Enjoy! Sarah and Esther xo Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com Learn more How a Friend or Family Member Can Help You After You Have a Baby | The Second Child Transit...
May 04, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 108
Parents benefit hugely from having regular and purposeful emotional outlets - when we take care of our own emotions, we are able to be more present, patient and connected with our children and families. Listening Partnerships are a tool we recommend for every parent to keep in their parenting toolbox. Why? It's FREE, it takes 5 mins a week, and it has tremendous benefits!!! Sarah and her real-life listening partner Kaitlin Solimine break down how to create and benefit from a listening partnershi...
Apr 20, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 107
It's Black Maternal Health Week and in this episode Sarah talks with Dr Amanda P Williams about the current state of postpartum maternal health and birth equity. Sarah first heard Dr Williams give the keynote talk at the Future of Maternal Care Summit. She invited Dr Williams onto the program to share her insights with all of our Fourth Trimester listeners. Dr Williams is raising the bar for all birthing people and families by helping hospitals and innovators with improved practices and solution...
Apr 13, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 106
Sarah, Nancy Myrick (Certified Nurse Midwife and birth center Director) and Leda Mast (Board Member of the SF Birth Center Foundation) discuss the ins and outs of birthing at a birth center. They talk through the unique benefits birth centers offer and explore a wide range of birth center related topics designed to help inform the birthing journey, including: Birth framework: Three Main Options for Where to Give Birth - Hospital, Birth Center, Home What a Birth Center is Why People Choose Birth ...
Apr 06, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 105
In this episode of Fourth Trimester, we're joined by Dr. Melissa Dennis, a seasoned OBGYN with over two decades of experience in healthcare. Dr. Dennis shares her evidence-based insights and practical advice on how to navigate the often-overlooked but critical phase of birth recovery. We discuss essential knowledge and practices that can support smoother recoveries and enhance the overall post-birth experience, including: The Role of An OBGYN Birth Team Scenarios An Overview of the Six Week Chec...
Mar 23, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 104
Unlock the secrets of newborn brain development with Childhood Educator Rebecca Walsh. Discover how to wire your baby for success. Listen to the full episode to learn what you need to know for helping your baby develop intelligence, plus the strong interpersonal and soft skills they’ll require later in life - both the EQ and IQ. You'll learn: * How the brain develops * What parents can do practically to optimize that development * "Serve and Return" interaction concept * How supporting your infa...
Mar 09, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 103
In this episode of Fourth Trimester Podcast, functional medicine dietitian Bridgitte Mallinson joins us to explore the essentials of prenatal vitamins. She illuminates the purpose of various supplements, emphasizing their critical role in nurturing both maternal and fetal health throughout pregnancy. Bridgitte explains which vital nutrients expectant mothers should prioritize and highlights red flags to watch out for when selecting prenatal supplements, empowering listeners to make informed choi...
Feb 24, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 102
This episode is a guide for how friends or family members can take a deeply human and holistic approach to supporting birthgivers when professional doula services are either inaccessible or unaffordable. Importantly, your support person (or persons if you are able to secure multiple helpers!) can provide crucial support before, during and after childbirth. Whoever is attending your birth - and/or helping you after the birth - must give this one a listen - your mom, your partner, your sibling, yo...
Feb 10, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 101
Gina Mundy is an attorney that specializes in childbirth cases and she is a bestselling author. For over two decades, she has analyzed the mistakes that are made during labor and delivery. Drawing on this knowledge, she has authored the book "A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth" to help parents prevent these mistakes and have a healthy baby. Sarah and Gina discuss proactive steps parents can take in order to help ensure a safer birth experience. Overall, the focus is on transforming fear and ...
Jan 27, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 100
Did you know that appropriate, nurturing touch can relieve stress (for baby and parent/caregiver), facilitate secure attachment, optimize brain development, and potentially set a baby up for life to be a stable and healthy human? In this episode we will talk about the immense benefits of massaging your baby. Special guest Kari Marble, certified infant massage therapist, meditation leader and birth educator, shares wisdom drawn from her 20+ years in the healing arts. We cover: *When it is appropr...
Jan 13, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 99
This episode is about finding the best labor and delivery hospitals using community-based tools and reviews. Listen to learn more about how community reviews tools are helping women find better facilities. Think “Yelp for hospitals”. Kimberly Seals Allers is our featured guest. She is the creator of Irth, a non-profit app designed to collect and leverage reviews of birthing hospitals and pediatricians from Black and Brown communities to hold these institutions accountable and facilitate systems ...
Dec 30, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 98
In this episode we dive deep into the crucial aspects of physical preparation for childbirth as we unveil targeted exercises, expert insights, and practical tips to empower expectant parents. Leah Keller, Founder of Every Mother, leads us through a transformative discussion that equips you with the tools needed to approach the birthing process with strength, resilience, and unwavering confidence. Visit fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/everymother for 10% OFF Every Mother on-demand, personalized exerci...
Dec 16, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 97
The Mom Group Guide features special guest Rebecca Walsh, veteran Mom Group facilitator and Early Childhood Education leader with 20+ years of experience. Rebecca is The Queen Of Mom Groups. We covered: *why Mom Groups are so beneficial *differences between First Time groups vs Second Time groups *how facilitated groups lead to stronger connection within the group *the biggest themes that come up during mom groups *how to facilitate your own group if you don't have one in your area *recommendati...
Dec 02, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 96
In this informative episode of the Fourth Trimester Podcast, we're diving deep into a topic that affects many postpartum individuals but is often shrouded in mystery and concern – Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Join us as we welcome physiologist Jenn Lormand, a physiologist in women's health for nearly 30 years, to discuss practical strategies for both avoiding and addressing this common postpartum issue. Pelvic Organ Prolapse can be a source of anxiety for many, but there is hope. Jenn will share her p...
Nov 18, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 95
Infertility and pregnancy loss are deeply emotional and often isolating experiences. Knowing how to approach and discuss these topics with sensitivity is essential. In this episode, we will explore strategies for addressing infertility and pregnancy loss, offering support, and witnessing grief. Emily Barrett, PsyD is a licensed psychologist in California. She is the special guest on this episode and she brings both her professional background working with clients on their own grief, and also her...
Nov 04, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 94
Birth Doula 101 is an essential primer on what birth doulas do, when to hire one, and what to expect from a practical standpoint. Learn from Esther Gallagher who has been a birth and postpartum doula for over 30 years. In this podcast episode, Sarah Trott and Esther Gallagher discuss the role of a birth doula and the services they provide, including non-medical support, physical comfort, advocacy, and referrals. They also emphasize the importance of having a birth plan, advocating for the birthi...
Oct 21, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 93
In this episode of the Fourth Trimester Podcast, Sarah Trott and First Forty Days author Marisa Belger discuss the importance of self-trust for parents and offer a guide on how to build self-trust. The guide includes four practical questions to ask yourself, such as what you are noticing, how you can offer yourself tenderness and compassion, and what your feelings are trying to tell you. They also offer a calming meditation exercise. Marisa Belger is a certified life coach and author who has ded...
Oct 07, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 92
Discover the invaluable support of postpartum doulas who provide practical and emotional care to new families during the healing and recovery process at home. This episode provides a detailed overview with examples of the type of care provided so you know what to expect from postpartum care at home. Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com Learn more How a Friend or Family Member Can Help You After You Have a Baby | The Second Child Transition | Improve Birth Recovery: Three Recommendations Fr...
Sep 24, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 91
Laura Ash, a Clinical Herbalist, shares the benefits of herbal medicine for fertility, pregnancy and postpartum. Find out which are best for your goals. Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com Learn more How a Friend or Family Member Can Help You After You Have a Baby | The Second Child Transition | Improve Birth Recovery: Three Recommendations From An OBGYN | Postpartum Soups and Stews Collection | Four Relationship-Saving Questions To Ask Before Baby Arrives Resources HelloGaia Parenting Co...
Sep 09, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 90
Meghan Doyle, CEO of Partum Health helps families access services that address mental, emotional, physical well-being. Learn about creating successful pre & postnatal care plans. Typical plans include birth and postpartum doula care, lactation support, and physical therapy services. Hear how parents are electing preventative services for mental health and taking other proactive steps. Fourth Trimester listeners can use code FOURTHTRIMESTER for 50% off classes offered through Partum Health: p...
Jul 08, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 89
Empowerment Coach Lisa Chin shares how parents can become more confident and authentic through self-discovery and healing By addressing and releasing past traumas, mothers can create a more nurturing environment for themselves and their children, fostering a sense of authenticity, peace, and growth. Listeners of the Fourth Trimester can receive a 10% discount on their first session with Chin by using the code FTPODCAST or mentioning the show when booking on lisaforreal.com Full show notes fourth...
Jun 24, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 88
Returning guest Melissa Hurt shares common perinatal conditions you don't have to accept: depletion, pelvic imbalance, diastasis recti, weak core, vocal fry. As a new mother, it can feel as though your body is going through all kinds of changes and challenges that you never expected. However, there are some perinatal conditions that you do not have to accept as your new normal. With some self-care, mindfulness, and the right support, you can overcome these challenges and find your way to a healt...
Jun 10, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 87
In a world where postpartum care is often overlooked, postpartum midwifery care offers a valuable service to families. This primer on midwifery is a must for anyone looking to learn more about how a midwife works with moms and families. A common successful plan looks like this: hospital birth, birth doula present alongside doctor, go home, postpartum midwife plus postpartum doula care during first 30/60/90 days. Listen to learn more! Special offer: Enter code 4TRI to get 10% off all birth prep w...
May 27, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 86
Fatherhood and healthy masculinity is all about finding a balance between traditional and progressive dad stereotypes, building teamwork and communication with co-parents, and embodying positive values and aspirations as a dad. Join us with David Arrell, author of 'Welcome To Fatherhood: The Modern Man's Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Fatherhood'. Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com Learn more How a Friend or Family Member Can Help You After You Have a Baby | The Second Child Transit...
May 13, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 85
We asked the fatherhood expert: What are the top three topics that come up during First Time Dad group sessions? David Arrell is the author of 'Welcome To Fatherhood: The Modern Man's Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Fatherhood', he is a Dad Coach and a leader of new father support groups. David is our guest on the Fourth Trimester Podcast. On this episode he demystifies 'new father support groups' by sharing the top three topics that arise during his sessions. Full show notes fourthtrimester...
Apr 29, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 84
Listen up if you're considering home birth. In this episode, we touch on the breadth of women's historical engagement with their perinatal care, including the shift from home to hospital, bias and racism in our care system, government programs and how they do and don't work, and some of the history of midwifery in the US and the UK. Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com Learn more How a Friend or Family Member Can Help You After You Have a Baby | The Second Child Transition | Improve Birth ...
Aug 09, 2020•53 min•Season 1Ep. 83