Healing After Birth

Healing After Birth

Discover the profound and profane journeys of motherhood during the Fourth Trimester, with sage tips from top holistic and medical experts, and lived experiences of real moms at the intersection of people, pop culture, and politics.

Episodes

Birth, Burnout, and the Power of Natural Healing: How Dr. LaJoyce Brookshire Navigated Late-Stage Motherhood

July 10, 2025 • 68 mins
Before she became “The Good Doctor,” Dr. LaJoyce Brookshire helped shape pop culture behind the scenes—repping icons like Whitney Houston, TLC, and Diddy at the height of hip hop and R&B’s golden era. But after a fibroid diagnosis, a late-stage pregnancy, a C-section, and the raw realities of postpartum recovery, she made a pivotal decision to embrace her passion for holistic health full-time. In this powerful episode, Dr. Brookshi...
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From Survival to Support: Fixing Maternal Mental Health One Mom at a Time

July 3, 2025 • 67 mins
In this deeply personal and powerful episode of Healing After Birth, hosts Marcia Cole and Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo dig into the recently released 2025 Maternal Mental Health State Report Card and ask: why is mediocrity the standard in a country with so many resources? Joined by the remarkable founders of the Black Girls Mental Health Collective—Dr. Jaih Craddock, Breea Wainwright, and Dr. Chyna Hill—this episode explores the invisible...
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The Audacity of a Fruit Bowl: Joy, Microaggressions, and Meghan Sussex

June 19, 2025 • 36 mins
Why did Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, making a fruit bowl become a media scandal? In this episode of Healing After Birth, Marcia and Nana unpack the odd outrage over Meghan’s new Netflix series—and what it reveals about society’s discomfort with women choosing peace and pleasure. The conversation also takes on toxic positivity in motherhood, the politics of grief, and how Black women are constantly told who they’re allowed to be....
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Meyer Krah on the Birth That Changed Everything — and Why He Started Here 4 the Dads Podcast and Community

June 12, 2025 • 56 mins
In this heart-opening episode of Healing After Birth, we sit down with Meyer Krah — Navy veteran, father of five, and host of Here 4 the Dads — to talk about the birth experience that changed his entire perspective on fatherhood, partnership, and marriage. Although he was already a father, it wasn’t until his fourth child was born that Meyer chose to witness the moment up close. What he saw in that delivery room shifted everything...
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This Week's Hot Topics: What's in a Name Meghan Sussex, Positivity in Motherhood, Accountability in Politics, Finding the Joy in Everyday Life

June 10, 2025 • 36 mins
In this Hot Topics episode of Healing After Birth, hosts Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole delve into the public's reaction to Meghan Markle's new Netflix show, discussing the societal backlash against her portrayal of a 'soft life' and the microaggressions she faces. They also explore the concept of toxic positivity in motherhood, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging negative emotions and the impact of societal expectatio...
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Rhapsodi Pierre-Jacques on How Motherhood Transforms Relationships with Your Partner, Family, and Yourself

March 27, 2025 • 57 mins
In this episode of Healing After Birth, organizational coach and new mom Rhapsodi Pierre-Jacques shares her raw and real postpartum journey, highlighting the unexpected challenges of early motherhood. She discusses how her well-structured birth plan didn’t go as expected and how her need for control was tested throughout the process. As a high-achieving professional, Rhapsodi talks about returning to work just weeks after giving b...
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Boundaries, Battles, and Breaking Through: Danya Gillard's Healing Journey

March 13, 2025 • 63 mins
In this deeply moving episode of Healing After Birth, hosts Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole sit down with Danya Gilliard to unpack the complexities of motherhood, healing, and resilience. From navigating pregnancy as a single mother to enduring an emotionally taxing custody battle, Danya shares her raw and powerful story of perseverance. She opens up about the boundaries she set (and the ones that were crossed), the physical an...
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The Truth About Breastfeeding: Dr. Dianna Dixon on Pumping Smarter, Not Harder

March 6, 2025 • 60 mins
This episode of Healing After Birth features Dr. Dianna Dixon, a lactation and postpartum expert, discussing the challenges and realities of breast pumping at work and the lack of awareness surrounding proper pumping techniques, flange sizes, and your rights as a working mom. She shares insights into the Pump Act, the regulation gaps in the breast pump industry, and how many new mothers struggle due to misinformation. Dr. Dixon als...
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This Week's Hot Topics: What Is The Contraception Begins At Erection Act & Breastfeeding While Traveling Laws Impacting Moms

February 27, 2025 • 32 mins
In this engaging episode of "Healing After Birth," co-hosts Nana and Marcia delve into a range of topics affecting mothers today. Nana shares her personal experience with a heart monitor during Heart Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of cardiovascular health at every age. The duo then discusses the provocative "Contraception Begins at Erection Act," exploring its implications for reproductive responsibility and gender dy...
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Mothering the Mom

November 21, 2024 • 62 mins
In this episode of Healing After Birth, hosts Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole discuss the significance of postpartum nutrition and cultural traditions in maternal health. They are joined by Shafiya M. Monroe, a renowned midwife and author, who shares her insights on the importance of cultural competency in healthcare, traditional birth practices, and the healing power of food. The conversation emphasizes the need for better sup...
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The Challenges of Playdates

November 14, 2024 • 84 mins
This week’s Hot Topic explores the topic of play dates and how they have evolved over time. Nana and Marcia discuss their own experiences with play dates as children and how they differ from the play dates their children have today. They speculate that the rise of play dates may be due to increased concerns about child safety and the desire for parents to know who their children are playing with. Nana also shares how she uses play ...
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Managing Trauma and Partnerships After Birth with Dr. Jessica S. Lewis

November 7, 2024 • 49 mins
In this episode of "Healing After Birth," hosts Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole discuss postpartum depression and the role partners play in a new mom's recovery with guest Dr. Jessica S. Lewis, a licensed psychologist, and founder of Becoming the Whole You. The conversation highlights the challenges new mothers face when their partners don't understand or believe the severity of their postpartum struggles. The hosts and Dr. Lew...
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Healing After Birth

October 31, 2024 • 80 mins
In this episode of Healing After Birth, hosts Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole engage in a deep conversation with Laura Ash, a clinical herbalist, about the intersection of integrative medicine and holistic healing. They explore the coexistence of allopathic and holistic practices, share personal birthing experiences, and discuss the importance of herbal remedies in postpartum healing. Laura shares her journey as a mother and he...
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Finding Peace in Postpartum: Lola Ogunnaike Shares How Boxing, Cookies and the Aisles of WholeFoods Saved Her Sanity After Birth

October 24, 2024 • 70 mins
Healing After Birth hosts Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole delve into parenting, self-discovery and cultural nuances with award-winning journalist Lola Ogunnaike. Sparked by Iyanla Vanzant's admission of being a "terrible mother" but "great father," they explore parenting stress, cultural gender roles, identity shifts, masculine-feminine energies and redefining motherhood. Discussing the intersection of personal growth, professi...
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Lactation Consultant, Chanel Rene Shares Why Breastfeeding Is Important for Black Mothers

August 29, 2024 • 61 mins
In this episode of Healing After Birth, Chanel Rene, a Certified Lactation Education Consultant, joins Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole to discuss the importance of breastfeeding support and education, particularly for Black mothers. Chanel shares her journey to providing this type of support for new mothers and how she creates a safe space in her practice by championing evidence-based research. Chanel also gets candid about her...
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A Long Journey to Motherhood: Dr. Tyrha Lindsey-Warren Discusses Her IVF Struggles and Finding Strength in Year One

July 30, 2024 • 64 mins
The conversation discusses the 'Black Wife Effect' trend on TikTok, where non-Black men showcase how their lives have changed after marrying Black women. The hosts share their own experiences of transforming their partners' style and appearance. The guest, Dr. Tyrha M. Lindsey-Warren, talks about her journey to motherhood, including her struggles with infertility and the challenges she faced during pregnancy and childbirth. She emp...
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Modern Motherhood: A Conversation with Kendra Bracken-Ferguson on Choice, Guilt, and Support

July 30, 2024 • 78 mins
Summary The conversation revolves around the controversial commencement speech given by Harrison Butker, the field goal kicker of the Kansas City Chiefs, in which he emphasized the role of women as homemakers. The hosts and guest discuss the guilt and conflict that many women feel when balancing motherhood and career. They share personal experiences and highlight the importance of supportive spouses and breaking gender stereotypes...
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How To Embrace Holistic Postpartum Care with Stephanie Sauer-Pasternak, DONA-Certified Doula and Lactation Consultant

June 27, 2024 • 40 mins
In this episode of Healing After Birth, Nana Eyeson Akiwowo and Marcia Cole welcome Stephanie Sauer Pasternak, a compassionate Doula and Lactation Counselor, based in Bergen County, New Jersey. Stephanie shares her expertise on the importance of holistic support during the postpartum period, highlighting the benefits of doula care and lactation guidance. She discusses how her unique approach, combining physical, emotional, and spir...
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Postpartum Care and Healing

June 20, 2024 • 61 mins
The conversation explores the topic of postpartum care and healing, focusing on the use of flower essences and elixirs. It delves into the historical and cultural significance of these practices, as well as the importance of self-care and support for women during the postpartum period. The conversation also highlights the need for honest and open discussions about the challenges and experiences of motherhood, particularly in margin...
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Daddy's Duties During and After Birth

June 13, 2024 • 68 mins
The podcast episode explores the role of dads, husbands, and partners in the healing process after birth. It delves into the experiences of Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and her husband, Akinola, as they share their perspectives on parenthood, cultural traditions, and the challenges of postpartum recovery. The conversation covers the unexpected challenges and experiences of childbirth, the recovery process, the importance of seeking help, an...
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