The Birth Squad
Welcome to The Birth Squad — where birth meets real talk. Hosted by best friends and OB/GYNs Dr. Ijeoma Bello and Dr. Kimeshia Thomas, this podcast dives into real stories and raw conversations about pregnancy, birth, and reproductive health. Twice a month, we share powerful interviews and insights that center around Black voices and lived experiences. 🎧 Tune in every other Sunday. 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @thebirthsquad | Twitter: @_thebirthsquad 💬 Join the conversation with #thebirthsquad & #thebirthsquadpodcast
Episodes
What happens when a routine delivery turns into an emergency—and a mother has to dig deep to stay calm, focused, and strong?
In the last episode of season 3 of The Birth Squad Podcast, we’re joined by Perlita Ortega, a courageous mama who’s opening up about one of the most serious (and often misunderstood) birth complications: shoulder dystocia.
Perlita shares her real, raw, and powerful experience of what it felt like in the...
What happens when a doctor becomes the patient—and experiences the very loss she’s spent years helping others navigate?
In this deeply moving episode of The Birth Squad, we sit down with Dr. Margaret Towolawi—family medicine physician, author, speaker, and founder of multiple wellness-focused practices including Nurture Well Center and SkinStatMD. Dr. Towolawi opens up about her personal journey through cervical insufficiency and se...
What happens when an emergency room doctor turns her focus from trauma bays to baby blues?
In this powerful episode of The Birth Squad, we’re joined by Dr. Phindile Chowa—board-certified Emergency Medicine physician, CEO of EMCare2U, and author of What to Expect Next: A Postpartum Guide for A Healthy, Happy Mom. She’s also the host of The 4th Trimester Podcast, where she dives deep into what really happens after birth—the messy, bea...
What happens when a powerhouse entrepreneur and top-selling realtor trades closing deals for contractions—and chooses to birth her baby at home?
Today on The Birth Squad, we’re joined by Shalaya Shipman, a real estate broker, entrepreneur, and fearless first-time mama— to hear her inspiring, no-filter story of planning and experiencing a home birth. From client meetings to contractions, Shalaya opens up about navigating busines...
Getting a prenatal screening can be nerve-wracking. But what happens when a trusted midwife becomes the patient—and her results come back abnormal?Today on The Birth Squad, we’re joined by Laura Uehara—certified midwife, mama, and founder of @declutterfreedom—to share her deeply personal journey through genetic testing in pregnancy. From shock to action, Laura walks us through the emotional rollercoaster, the clinical confusion, an...
If dinner’s a daily struggle, you need this episode. Busy mom? Hungry kids? No problem. This one’s about you.
Postpartum meals aren’t about bouncing back. They’re about building you back up. This week we're talking with Chef Kathleen O’Brien Price (@Chefleen) — Chopped Winner, current Food Network star on 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing, and most importantly mom. Join us to hear her real-talk on postpartum fuel, mom-friendly shortcuts...
This Mother's Day on Birth Squad, we’re joined by Morgan Antwine, a lawyer and mom who shares her real, raw, and relatable story of prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM)—aka when your water breaks before labor starts.Spoiler alert: It wasn’t a dramatic movie moment. It was confusing, quiet, and full of "what now?" moments.🎙️ In This Episode:* Morgan’s first hand story of PROM in the middle of the night* What it really...
On this episode of The Birth Squad Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Rachel Mandelbaum, a fertility physician, to talk all things infertility. 🎙️ And guess what? She’s not just the expert in the room—she’s also sharing her own personal journey to motherhood. Talk about a double dose of wisdom and heart! 💖Infertility can feel isolating, but Dr. Mandelbaum brings a mix of science, compassion, and a little humor to break it all down. Whe...
This week on The Birth Squad Podcast, we're diving into an important and often misunderstood topic: Ectopic Pregnancy. And who better to join us than the AMAZING Ana Rivera Towns from The Amazing Race?! 🎉Ana shares her personal journey, and we promise you won’t want to miss it – it’s emotional, empowering, and educational. 💪🏾📌 Tune in NOW on YouTube or Spotify to hear Ana's powerful story and learn about ectopic pregnancy from ...
🏋🏽♀️ Your pelvic floor deserves some love, too! Let’s talk pelvic floor therapy with Dr.Lynn Schulte, an expert PT who will walk you through the benefits, when to start, and how it can improve your postpartum health. It’s time to get that core in check, mama! 💪🏾 #PelvicFloor #PostpartumCare #StrongMama
Learn more about Dr. Lynn, the Institute for Birth Healing and the exercises she discussed during the podcast.
✨ Pregnant and glowing… or pregnant and breaking out? 😬 We chat with a dermatologist who specializes in melasma and skin changes during pregnancy. Whether you’re dealing with acne, stretch marks, or hyperpigmentation, we’re covering it all so you can get the glow-up you deserve, mama! 🌟 #PregnancyGlow #SkinCare #Melasma
Get ready for SEASON 3 of the Birth Squad Podcast! 🎉We’re back and better than ever with MORE laughs, MORE education, and MORE of the juicy pregnancy & postpartum info you NEED. We’ve got a lineup of experts that will blow your mind (and your baby bump!) Meet our amazing guests, hear about our exciting topics, and get ready to dive in headfirst into this incredible journey of pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Let's do this! Here’...
In Episode 6 the Her Story Series, Ngozi discusses how she became a fearless birth advocate, championing the rights and voices of Black mothers everywhere through her company MotherMode LLC, based in Los Angeles, CA.
The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us! Join us on this empowering journey as real mothers share their raw and unfiltered stories ab...
Episode 5 of "Her Story" series explores Dr. Robinson’s Story A positive and inspiring birth story that focuses on empowerment and joy in childbirth.
"Her Story" series brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us! Join us on this empowering journey as real mothers share their raw and unfiltered stories about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. From ov...
In Episode 4 of The Her Story Series, Ayana discusses navigating the emotional journey of an unplanned pregnancy and postpartum struggles, offering comfort and solidarity to many.
The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us! Join us on this empowering journey as real mothers share their raw and unfiltered stories about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum e...
In Episode 3 of The Her Story Series, Shayla compares her experiences with hospital birth vs. home birth.
The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us! Join us on this empowering journey as real mothers share their raw and unfiltered stories about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. From overcoming unexpected challenges to finding strength in ...
Episode 2 The Her Story Series listens to Raedells discuss her battle with pre-eclampsia, lupus and the challenges of preterm birth. A story of resilience and care.
The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us! Join us on this empowering journey as real mothers share their raw and unfiltered stories about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. Fro...
Episode 1 of The Her Story Series features the founders of Birth By Us and how they are changing the narrative for Black mothers.
The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us! Join us on this empowering journey as real mothers share their raw and unfiltered stories about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. From overcoming unexpected challenges to f...
ven Track & Field Olympic Gold Medalist Allyson Felix had to find her voice during her pregnancy. Join us as we close out season 2 with her, as she shares her birth story and desire for a VBAC with us! Don't forget to check out season 1&2 of The Birth Squad Podcast available now!
Link to Preeclampsia Calculator
https://fetalmedicine.org/research/assess/preeclampsia/first-trimester
Terms:
Preeclampsia (form...
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