Fourth Trimester Voices

On this episode of Fourth Trimester Voices, I sit down with Dr. Shefali Chheda of Harmony Pediatrics to talk about why your baby’s doctor is also YOUR postpartum ally.  As a mother herself, Dr. Chheda shares how her own parenting journey transformed the way she practices medicine. We explore why a pediatrician should be considered part of a woman’s postpartum village—not just someone who cares for...

Postpartum isn’t just emotional—it’s physical. And for many moms, the journey back to feeling  like themselves  includes considering a Mommy Makeover. In this episode, I’m joined by  Dr. Olatomide Familusi , founder of  Eleve Plastic Surgery , who pulls back the curtain on what Mommy Makeovers  really  involve. We talk body image, confidence, the most common procedures, and how surgery can be a po...

We’ve reached the end of Season One—and what a journey it’s been. In this final episode, I’m sharing the story behind  Fourth Trimester Voices,  why I launched this platform, how it connects to my work with EMCare2U, and what’s next in the fight for better postpartum care. 💛  I’ll be taking a 3-week break before launching Season Two—with even more powerful stories and expert guests. Now’s the per...

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...

They’re asking for more babies to save the economy. But who’s saving the mothers? 🛑 Before we talk about increasing birth rates, we need to talk about  decreasing maternal deaths . We need to talk about  prioritizing postpartum recovery , mental health, and the lives of women who just gave birth. Because one 6-week visit isn’t care. It’s not enough. It never was.

🖤  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...

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, wha...

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 s...

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 criti...

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 🔹...

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...

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 y...

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...

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 shar...

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 discu...

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 yoursel...

So much happening in the world right now. Ladies, I need you to hear me. No one is coming to save us. Let this realization empower you not cripple you. This episode highlights the importance of preparation, self-advocacy, and ensuring stability for yourself and your children. A must-listen for anyone ready to stop waiting and start taking action.

Did you know women face a  maternity tax —the financial burden of pregnancy and postpartum? 💰 From medical bills to unpaid leave, the costs can add up fast. Join me and  Setu Shah, the Financial Doula , as we unpack these hidden costs and share strategies to prepare for postpartum and beyond. 🍼✨ Let’s talk about how to plan, protect, and thrive. 💪

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/c...

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 ...

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...

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 . T...

Postpartum changes everything—including your relationships. In this episode of Fourth Trimester Voices, we dive into how friendships, romantic connections, and family dynamics shift after baby arrives, and how to nurture those bonds while navigating the challenges of this new season.

This week on  Fourth Trimester Voices , Christele opens up about her journey through two traumatic birth experiences and the vastly different ways she navigated the postpartum challenges that followed. Her story highlights the power of support, self-advocacy, and healing in the face of adversity.

Instead of waiting for problems to arise, let’s be proactive and build a team to support your journey through pregnancy and beyond. In this episode, we’re breaking down the  4 key professionals  every pregnant woman should see to prepare for a smoother, healthier postpartum experience.