Fourth Trimester Voices

This isn’t just a story about motherhood—it’s about survival.

I’ve walked through the postpartum season three times. Two ended in heartbreaking loss. One brought new life.
Each experience shaped me. Each one showed me how broken our system is when it comes to supporting women—especially after loss.

In this episode, I’m sharing my truth: the physical pain, the emotional toll, and how those moments of grief and recovery led me to cr...

🖤 Black Maternal Health Week Spotlight 🖤
This week, we’re talking about a silent killer that’s affecting Black moms at alarming rates: Postpartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM).

Black women are up to 15x more likely to develop this life-threatening condition — and many are dismissed or misdiagnosed until it’s too late.

In this episode, I break down: ⚠️ What PPCM looks like
🩺 How to talk to your doctor
📊 The stats we can’t ign...

Moms, before you take that next social media tip as gospel—WATCH THIS. In this episode, we dive into the dangers of digital misinformation targeting pregnant and postpartum moms. From viral TikToks to mommy forums, not all advice is created equal—and some of it can be downright dangerous.

As a board-certified emergency physician and postpartum advocate, I'm breaking down how to spot red flags, what questions to ask, and how to prote...

The 6-week checkup is often the only follow-up moms get after giving birth—and yet, it’s rushed, superficial, and misses the mark for so many.

In this episode, I’m breaking down:

✔️ What the 6-week visit is supposed to cover
✔️ What often gets overlooked
✔️ The questions you should be asking
✔️ And what real postpartum care should look like

This is your body, your healing, your life. Don’t settle for being told “you’re clear...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with OB/GYN and mother of two, Dr. Agena Davenport, to talk about what really needs to happen at your 6-week postpartum visit. From navigating neurodivergence after birth to recognizing when something doesn't feel right, Dr. Davenport shares how moms can show up informed, empowered, and heard. She reminds us that this visit isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a critical moment for your body, mind, and l...

Black mothers are 3 to 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women—but what’s rarely talked about is that more than 50% of these deaths happen AFTER birth.

In this episode of Fourth Trimester Voices, we’re diving deep into:
🔹 Why Black women’s pain and concerns are ignored—the history behind it
🔹 The Medicaid and insurance gaps that leave moms without care
🔹 The real barriers keeping Black m...

As birth shifted from home to hospital, medical advancements saved lives—but at what cost? 🤰🏽➡️🏥

In this episode of Fourth Trimester Voices, we dive into the medicalization of birth and how it led to the decline of postpartum care. While interventions and hospital births became the norm, the support that once surrounded new mothers slowly disappeared.

What did we leave behind? How can we reclaim postpartum care in a system that pr...

Fatigue is a typical part of the postpartum period, but if you’re feeling unusually tired or weak, it could be a sign of anemia. We’ll explore what postpartum anemia is, how it’s linked to low iron levels, and why it can have such a significant impact on your recovery.

Whether you’re navigating this challenge or just preparing for postpartum, this episode is packed with vital information to help you feel your best.

Tune in to learn ...

Dr. Sarah Ionescu, a family physician, mom of five, fitness enthusiast, and recently postpartum, joins us to share her incredible journey. From pivoting from full-time medicine to inspiring pregnant and postpartum moms to stay active, she opens up about how fitness transformed her pregnancies and postpartum experiences. Tune in as she discusses the physical and mental benefits of movement, how she balanced it all, and her mission t...

Dr. Anikia Nelson walked into the clinic swollen, exhausted, and in pain—only to be told to go home, eat carbs, sleep, and hydrate. But her body was telling a different story. What was dismissed as stress and dehydration turned out to be postpartum preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition that could have been missed.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nelson, one of my own clients, as she shares her shocking journey of misdiagno...

Black mothers are dying at 3-4 times the rate of white mothers in childbirth—a devastating reality that demands change. Research shows that doulas make a difference, improving maternal outcomes by providing advocacy, emotional support, and informed guidance throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.In this episode, I sit down with Jet'aime McKinney, a dedicated Atlanta-based doula, to discuss how doulas empower Black mothers,...

Society often expects us to snap back physically, emotionally, and mentally, but is this realistic—or even healthy? In this episode, we dive deep into why slow recovery is real recovery and how to redefine success in your postpartum journey. 🌱💪

🎧 Listen now to learn:

✅ Why the “bounce back” mentality can be harmful
✅ How to honor your body’s natural recovery timeline
✅ Tips to give yourself grace as you heal

✨ Your body g...

Did you know the postpartum period is one of the most critical times for your health? Join me, as I break down the top postpartum danger signs every mom needs to know. From shortness of breath to heavy bleeding and mental health red flags, I’ll guide you through recognizing these life-threatening symptoms and when to seek help. Download my free Postpartum Danger Signs Checklist [www.drchowa.com/concierge-postpartum-care] to stay i...

Maternity leave in the U.S. is far too short, leaving many moms to navigate the delicate balance between healing and returning to work. Postpartum recovery takes time, and we deserve policies that honor that. Paid maternity leave and longer time at home are essential for a mom's physical and mental health—and for bonding with her baby.

Until we see change, we're here to help. In this episode of Fourth Trimester Voices, we dive into...

Back pain after baby isn’t just a physical challenge—it can take a serious toll on your mental health, too. In this episode, I unpack the connection between postpartum back pain and mental well-being, diving into SI joint dysfunction, back mechanics, and how chronic pain can impact sleep, mood, and even your sense of self.

You’ll learn practical strategies for managing pain and stress, so you can start feeling like yourself again...

The holidays are here—a season of joy, love, and... overwhelm? In this episode of Fourth Trimester Voices, we’re diving into practical self-care tips to help you thrive, not just survive, during the holiday rush.

Whether you’re juggling postpartum recovery, new motherhood, or just trying to create memorable moments for your family, this episode is your reminder to pause and prioritize you.

Tune in to learn:

• How to set boundar...