Healing After Birth

Can magnets, meridians, and Reiki really replace Botox after birth? In this episode of Healing After Birth, we sit down with Anais Zambrano, an Arizona-based licensed esthetician and founder of Solesthetics, to explore how energy-based treatments can help new moms to reduce inflammation, restore radiance, and reconnect with their bodies—no needles or toxins required. Anais breaks down the science...

In this episode of Healing After Birth, we speak with Nadia Mondesir, New York State Coordinator for Mocha Moms, about her powerful journey from solo immigrant to community leader. Four years into motherhood—and still feeling isolated in a new town—Nadia’s search for support ended when she discovered the Westchester chapter of Mocha Moms. What began as a quest for connection became a calling to se...

In this episode of *Healing After Birth*, hosts Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole explore the multifaceted journey of motherhood, health, and the societal forces that shape them. Through personal stories and candid reflections, they examine government policies impacting family planning and compare healthcare systems around the world. The hosts also highlight the crucial role of trust in medical...

In this candid and sharply witty episode of Healing After Birth, Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia Cole dive into three hot-button topics that hit at the heart of modern motherhood. First, they unpack the rise in births among women over 40 and the sharp decline in teen pregnancies, asking: is motherhood over 40 the new norm—and are we prepared for the perimenopause overlap? Next, they dig into a vira...

Pregnancy can bring a radiant glow—or unexpected skin struggles. In this episode, we sit down with skincare expert Aliesh Pierce to break down what really happens to your skin during pregnancy and postpartum. From hormonal acne and melasma to pregnancy-safe treatments and at-home remedies, Aliesh shares expert insights on keeping your skin healthy without compromising your safety. Whether you're w...

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...

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—t...

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 constant...

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 tha...

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 an...

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...

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...

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 d...

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 reprod...

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...

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....

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 postpart...

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 sh...

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 inters...

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...

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 durin...

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 spous...

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, comb...

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...

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,...