Perinatal & Reproductive Perspectives

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Motherhood is often portrayed as pure joy and unconditional love—but what about the moments of doubt, frustration, or even resentment that many parents quietly experience? In this insightful conversation, Dr. Margo Lowy, psychoanalytic psychotherapist and author of The Maternal Experience: Encounters with Ambivalence and Love, explores the complex and often unspoken reality of...

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In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Brandy Cummings, DCN—a former blackjack dealer turned clinical nutritionist who's anything but conventional. Dr. B shares her deeply personal journey through illness, infertility, and being overlooked by the medical system—experiences that ultimately fueled her passion for root cause-focused nutrition and holistic healing.

Aft...

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In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sheehan Fisher, an Associate Professor and perinatal clinical psychologist at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Fisher, who also serves as the Associate Dean for Academic Environment and Success at The Graduate School, dives deep into his groundbreaking research on the mental health of parents during the perinatal per...

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Becoming parents is one of life’s most joyful—and most challenging—transitions. Research shows that two-thirds of couples experience a significant dip in relationship satisfaction after the birth of a child. The Bringing Baby Home program, developed by world-renowned relationship experts Drs. John and Julie Gottman, offers practical, research-based tools to help couples stay c...

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In this episode, we're joined by the remarkable Dr. Ruchi Garg, newly appointed Chief Medical Officer of Fairview Park Hospital, part of the HCA Healthcare system. With over 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Garg brings deep expertise in gynecologic oncology, women’s health, and digital health innovation.

Previously the Chair of Gynecologic Oncology at Cancer Treatment ...

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In Part Two of our conversation with Debbie, we delve deeper into the emotional aftermath of involuntary childlessness and what it means to reclaim identity and purpose beyond motherhood. Debbie shares how her healing journey evolved over time—from silent grief and societal pressure to finding empowerment through community, advocacy, and storytelling.

We explore the nuanced rea...

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After coming to terms with the end of her journey to motherhood, Debbie has spent years processing the emotional impact of being labeled “childless” in a society that often idealizes parenthood. Her recent work focuses on sharing her personal experience and raising awareness about the prevalence and influence of pronatalism in modern culture.

Debbie was diagnosed with unexplain...

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Dr. Maria Canter is double board-certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Obstetrics and Gynecology—making her one of the first surgeons in the country to hold both certifications. Known for her thoughtful and individualized approach, Dr. Canter takes the time to understand each patient's unique needs and creates personalized treatment pla...

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Wendy Davis, PhD, PMH-C, is the President and CEO of Postpartum Support International (PSI), an organization dedicated to supporting the mental health of people during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Under her leadership, PSI connects families with resources, offers professional training, and promotes mental health support for a strong and healthy start to parenthood.

Dr. ...

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Nicole Lange LicAc MAOM founded Life Healing Life in Minneapolis, MN with a revolutionary approach to healthcare that transcends the traditional "doctor fixes patient" model. As an acupuncturist and practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine and third generation entrepreneur, Nicole embraces a unique perspective that integrates Eastern practices with Western medici...

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Dana is a dedicated literacy educator, passionate social justice advocate, and resilient survivor of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Her personal and professional journey reflects a profound commitment to both individual healing and community empowerment. Despite long-held aspirations of becoming a mother, Dana made the courageous and medically necessary decision to un...

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Susan Aguayo was born in Peru and immigrated to New York at the age of five. As the eldest of three siblings, she quickly adapted to her new environment, learning English to connect with others. Following the birth of her younger sister and her parents' separation, Susan took on a leadership role within her family—becoming a protector, translator, and source of support.

De...

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This episode features Bernice Quesenberry, CEO and Founder of Chasing the Rainbows. This is a heartfelt and empowering episode that dives deep into trauma, healing, and hope, covering reproductive conditions, pregnancy loss, secondary infertility, and infant loss. 

Bernice is a certified trauma-informed care specialist and national nonprofit leader who brings compassion, insigh...

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Nicole shares her wisdom melting shame and imposter syndrome amidst multiple life transitions; divorce, starting a company, and an unexpected transition to single motherhood. 

Nicole Manstrangelo traded in her successful corporate career in luxury sales and marketing to join her parents in ownership of our 30-year-old family business.

She implemented “big business” growth strate...

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Dr. Jill Zechowy, MD, MS, is a perinatal mental health physician. Motivated by her own struggle with postpartum anxiety, she combines her knowledge of perinatal psychology and family medicine to help pregnant women and mothers thrive. 

Dr. Jill is the author of Motherhood Survival Manual: Your Prenatal Guide to Prevent Postpartum Depression & Anxiety. Available on Amazon. S...

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Deanna Blasi DeAndino is the founder and CEO of The Mindset Tapestry, an educational children’s brand designed to help children develop healthy mindsets and empower caregivers to raise emotionally resilient and authentically supported children. As an educator, mother, and passionate advocate for mental health, Deanna created The Mindset Tapestry to help children build emotiona...

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Dr. Amy Balete walks the audience through the basics of infertility and outlines how fertility and reproductive counseling can offer hope through a safe counseling space. She covers a wide gamut of topics such as primary and secondary infertility, PCOS, hysterectomies, pregnancy loss, and various infertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilizati...

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Nicole Gonzalez-Cumberbatch is the Founder of The Motherhood Village and shares her journey toward creating a thriving organization which supports mothers. The creation of The Motherhood Village stems from her bumpy transition not only to motherhood but to working motherhood. She highlights the power of community, ways organizations can incorporate more empathy and compassion,...

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Colleen Avis is an award-winning author and life coach helping others unlock their potential and create sacred spaces where authenticity, confidence, and joy thrive. With over a decade of expertise and a deeply personal healing journey, she empowers clients to connect with their emotions, navigate life’s transitions, and embrace lasting change.

Colleen shares her experience hea...