Ask Dr. Sterling Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Sterling discusses cervical exams during pregnancy and labor, emphasizing patient consent and comfort. Learn about why these exams are performed, how to make them more comfortable, and get a brief introduction to membrane sweeping as a potential labor-inducing procedure. Key Moments Your Right to Consent Purpose of Cervical Exams Bishop Score Explained Making Exams More Comfor...

In this comprehensive episode, Dr. Sterling breaks down everything you need to know about gestational diabetes screening during pregnancy. From test procedures to understanding results, this guide helps expectant parents navigate this important aspect of prenatal care with confidence and clarity. Key Moments One-Step vs. Two-Step Screening Test Preparation & What to Expect Understanding Result...

In this mini episode, Dr. Sterling walks you through everything you need to know about the second trimester anatomy ultrasound—what it is, what to expect during your appointment, and how to make sense of the findings. Whether you’re wondering why your bladder needs to be full, what a “low-lying placenta” means, or why you might be asked to come back for another scan, this episode is packed with cl...

In this mini episode, Dr. Sterling explores the fascinating world of fetal movement during pregnancy—when it begins, how it feels, and what to expect as your pregnancy progresses. Whether you're experiencing those first subtle flutters or wondering about movement patterns, this episode provides clarity and reassurance about this exciting milestone. Key Moments Early Movement Detection What Movemen...

In this comprehensive episode, Dr. Sterling breaks down the complex world of genetic screening and testing in pregnancy. From understanding the difference between screening and diagnostic tests to navigating the various options available at different stages, this guide helps expectant parents make informed decisions about their prenatal care journey. Key Moments - Screening vs. diagnostic testing...

In this insider's guide to first trimester care, Dr. Sterling pulls back the curtain on what really happens at your early prenatal appointments. From transvaginal ultrasounds to weight discussions, genetic screening options to aspirin recommendations, she provides a comprehensive roadmap while sharing practical tips most providers don't tell you. Key Moments First appointment expectations Weight d...

In this episode, Dr. Sterling addresses one of pregnancy's most challenging emotions: fear of loss. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, she offers a groundbreaking approach to managing anxiety while making decisions about sharing pregnancy news, using home dopplers, and building essential parenting skills. Powerful Quotes "Emotions aren't good or bad - they're pieces...

In this special series premiere, Dr. Sterling shares exclusive content from the Sterling Parents pregnancy course, breaking down pregnancy guidelines with a refreshing, evidence-based approach centered on personal wellness. Moving beyond rigid rules, she explains the science behind common recommendations while emphasizing the importance of individual decision-making and self-compassion. Get ready...

In this special series premiere, Dr. Sterling shares exclusive content from the Sterling Parents pregnancy course, breaking down exactly what you need to know in those first crucial weeks after seeing those two pink lines. From calculating your due date to choosing the right provider, this episode offers evidence-based guidance for starting your pregnancy journey. Key Moments [35 mins] 00:00 - Ser...

In this insightful episode, Dr. Sterling welcomes Dr. Cassidy Freitas, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in maternal mental health. Using her powerful "car metaphor," Dr. Cassidy breaks down how to develop a new relationship with anxiety during the reproductive years and beyond, offering practical tools for managing anxious thoughts without trying to eliminate them completely....

In this powerful episode, Dr. Sterling sits down with Erica Djossa, registered psychotherapist and founder of Momwell, to unpack the invisible mental load of motherhood. From her personal breakdown-turned-breakthrough after her third postpartum experience to creating an innovative maternal mental health platform, Erica shares insights on why mothers carry so much invisible work and how to create m...

Join Dr. Sterling and she dives deep into the science behind nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP), affecting over 90% of pregnant people. Drawing from both current research and her personal experience with severe pregnancy nausea, Dr. Sterling breaks down why it happens, what's normal, and most importantly - how to get help when you need it. Key Moments [45 mins] 00:00 - Introduction and prevale...

Episode Summary In this powerful episode, Dr. Sterling sits down with Kimberley Quinlan, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD, anxiety, and self-compassion. With her unique background in cognitive behavioral therapy from Oxford and extensive experience treating anxiety disorders, Kimberley shares profound insights on why self-criticism often intensifies in motherhood and ho...

In this candid mini episode, Dr. Sterling and co-host Claire share their personal stories of being shockingly unprepared for postpartum. After a listener reached out through their new broadcast channel asking how an OB-GYN could be unprepared, Dr. Sterling breaks down the reality of postpartum preparation in 2024 versus her first experience in 2017. Quick Listen Highlights [25 mins] 00:00 - Introd...

Join Dr. Sterling as she sits down with Dr. Emily Seidler, a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist at Boston IVF and Harvard Medical School instructor, who shares her powerful transition from fertility specialist to IVF patient. Learn how her professional expertise shaped her personal fertility journey, including her decision to freeze eggs at age 33 and ultimately use them to concei...

Enjoy one of our top episodes from 2024! As someone who is obsessed with finding effective ways to manage stress, it’s time for Dr. Sterling to share her insights and practical tips to help you navigate the stressful periods of trying to conceive, pregnancy, and postpartum. Co-host, Claire, brings questions from the listeners on the often-debated topic of self-care and how you can possibly incorpo...

Enjoy the top episode from this season! Do you have burning questions about birth that you're too embarrassed to ask? In this entertaining & eye opening Q&A episode of the Ask Dr. Sterling Podcast , Dr. Sterling answers the most common (and awkward!) questions she gets about childbirth. From the reality of pooping during labor to whether epidurals really slow things down, Dr. Sterling shar...

In this eye-opening episode of Ask Dr. Sterling , Dr. Sterling sits down with licensed perinatal therapist Gayane Aramyan, LMFT , to dismantle the common myth of maternal instinct—that every mom will feel an immediate, overwhelming bond with their baby. Together, they explore why bonding doesn’t always happen instantly and why it’s normal . From physical recovery and mental health to a baby’s uniq...

In part two of our holiday series, Dr. Sterling and Claire tackle the art of setting boundaries during one of the most challenging times of the year. Whether you’re trying to conceive, pregnant, or navigating the postpartum phase, the holidays often bring unsolicited advice, invasive questions, and well-meaning but stressful family dynamics. Dr. Sterling shares tips on how to set clear, compassion...

In this episode of Ask Dr. Sterling , Dr. Sterling and Claire dive into the realities of motherhood during the holiday season. From the surge of positive pregnancy tests that follow the holidays to the often-overwhelming mental load moms carry this time of year, this episode is packed with relatable moments and practical advice. Dr. Sterling offers insights into why moms don’t want another vacuum...

In this episode of Ask Dr. Sterling , Dr. Sterling sits down with Dr. Funke Brown, a triple board-certified sleep physician, to uncover the truth about sleep and its vital role in health and well-being. With expertise in pediatrics, pulmonology, and sleep medicine, Dr. Brown b reaks down how sleep impacts physical health, mental well-being, and family dynamics. Whether you’re navigating pregnancy...

In this lighthearted yet informative episode of the Ask Dr. Sterling Podcast , Dr. Sterling and Claire dive headfirst into the “taboo” pregnancy questions you’ve always wanted to ask—but might have been too embarrassed to bring up with your OB-GYN. From surprising bodily changes to the tricky subject of switching doctors, no topic is off-limits in this candid conversation. To kick things off, Dr....

In this episode of Ask Dr. Sterling , Dr. Noa Sterling and her co-host Claire dive into some of Hollywood’s most memorable (and sometimes outrageous) depictions of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Dr. Sterling breaks down the myths, realities, and surprising accuracies in iconic scenes—from water breaking at inopportune times to fast and furious labors. Join us for an inside look at what TV and m...

In this eye-opening episode of Ask Dr. Sterling , Dr. Noa Sterling addresses a critical and often misunderstood topic: the fine line between fearmongering and providing necessary, evidence-based health information. Sparked by listener reactions to her honest discussion about diet soda and pregnancy risks, Dr. Sterling dives deep into the challenges of sharing medical truths without creating undue...

In this lively episode of the Ask Dr. Sterling podcast, Dr. Sterling and co-host Claire dive into the wild world of myths, misconceptions, and unsolicited advice about pregnancy, fertility, and breastfeeding. From your MIL’s outdated opinions to internet misinformation, Dr. Sterling uses her expertise to bust myths and set the record straight on everything from sex positions to caffeine consumptio...