MamaDoc BabyDoc

The pelvic floor might be the hardest-working part of your body that nobody ever explained to you — until now. This week, MamaDoc sits down with Bijal Patel, DPT, a certified pelvic floor therapist, to pull back the curtain on the muscles, breath, and pressure system quietly holding you together from the inside — and what happens to all of it during pregnancy and after childbirth. Together they co...

"Once a cesarean, always a cesarean." "Oh, you should just try naturally this time." If you've had a C-section and you're pregnant again, you've probably heard both — and this episode is about everything those slogans leave out. MamaDoc goes solo to walk you through VBAC — vaginal birth after cesarean — the way she would across the desk from one nervous patient. No fear-mongering, no cheerleading,...

Everyone has advice for what to do once you're pregnant. Almost no one tells you what's actually worth doing before you start trying — and that's where the most important, least glamorous decisions get made. In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc, we walk through what really matters in the lead-up to conception, separating the medicine that moves the needle from the wellness rituals that are just nois...

Everyone has advice for what to do once you're pregnant. Almost no one tells you what's actually worth doing before you start trying — and that's where the most important, least glamorous decisions get made. In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc, we walk through what really matters in the lead-up to conception, separating the medicine that moves the needle from the wellness rituals that are just nois...

Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Separating Fact from Fiction Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, brain fog, mood changes—menopause can bring a host of symptoms that affect daily life. But is menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) right for you? In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , Dr. Renda Knapp dives into the science behind menopausal hormone therapy. They discuss who may benefit from treatment,...

Perimenopause: Is It Perimenopause… or Am I Just Going Crazy? Mood swings. Brain fog. Anxiety. Sleepless nights. Hot flashes. Suddenly forgetting why you walked into a room. If you've ever wondered, "Is this perimenopause, or am I just losing my mind?" —this episode is for you. In this candid and informative episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , Dr. Renda Knapp tackles the often misunderstood transition of...

Vitamin K shots for newborns have become a hot topic online — but what does the science actually say? In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc, we break down Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB), a rare but potentially devastating condition that can cause dangerous internal bleeding in newborns, including bleeding in the brain. We explain why babies are born with low vitamin K levels, why the injection...

Tylenol in pregnancy — safe or dangerous? In this myth-busting episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc, we break down the headlines, the fear, and the actual science behind acetaminophen use during pregnancy. We discuss what the FDA recently said, why the controversy exploded online, and what large medical organizations like ACOG are recommending right now. We dive into the studies linking Tylenol to autism an...

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc, we dive into one of the most polarizing topics in modern maternity care: free birth—the choice to give birth without a medical provider present. Why are more women considering this path? We explore the real reasons behind the movement—ranging from prior birth trauma and mistrust in the healthcare system to a deep desire for autonom...

Across the country, rural hospitals are closing their obstetric units—and for many families, that means traveling hours just to give birth. In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc, we take a closer look at the growing crisis of rural OB unit closures and what it means for access to care. We break down why these closures are happening—from staffing shortages to financial pressures—and how they're creati...

The U.S. birth rate is falling—and it's not just a statistic. It's a shift that will impact our economy, healthcare system, and the future of families for generations to come. In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , we take a deep dive into America's declining fertility rate and what's really behind it. From rising maternal age and infertility to the financial pressures of raising children, we explor...

Whooping cough is back—and our most vulnerable patients are at risk. In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc, we dive into everything you need to know about whooping cough (pertussis): what it is, why cases are rising again, and why babies—especially newborns—are at the highest risk for severe illness. We break down the symptoms, how it spreads, and the alarming reasons behind the recent surge, includi...

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic , Wegovy , and Mounjaro have transformed the way we treat type 2 diabetes and obesity—but what happens when pregnancy enters the picture? In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , we break down the growing use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and what patients (and providers) need to know about their safety before, during, and after pregnancy. We discuss how these medications w...

Nobody briefs the partner. They show up to the delivery room loving you completely, wanting desperately to help, and having absolutely no idea what their job is. So they hold your hand, try to look calm, and hope for the best. This week, MamaDoc brings in a special guest: her husband Edson, a physician and father of seven. Together they pull back the curtain on what partners actually do during a l...

The United States is one of the most advanced countries in the world. So why are more mothers dying here than in any other high-income nation? In this powerful episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc, we take a deep dive into the maternal mortality crisis in America. We break down the numbers, what they actually mean, and why (despite modern medicine) pregnancy and the postpartum period can still be dangerousl...

The fourth trimester is real, and it's intense. In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc we dive into what life actually looks like in those first twelve weeks after delivery, whether you've had a vaginal birth or a cesarean section.  We talk honestly about what your body is going through; bleeding, cramping, healing, and what recovery should (and shouldn't) feel like. We also cover the emotional side;...

Pregnant and told you might need surgery? Take a deep breath—this episode is for you. 🤍 In this episode of  Mamadoc Babydoc , we break down what really happens when surgery is needed during pregnancy. From urgent procedures like appendectomy and cholecystectomy to pregnancy-specific interventions like cerclage , and diagnostic procedures such as endoscopy , we explain when surgery is recommended,...

Pregnant and suddenly told you need an X-ray? A CT scan? An MRI? Or wondering if that routine facial, laser treatment, or Botox appointment is still safe? In this episode of Mamadoc BabyDoc , we break down what really happens when medical or cosmetic procedures come up during pregnancy—and how to separate fear from facts. We talk through common imaging studies, including ultrasound, MRI, CT scans,...

Opioids, Methamphetamines & Benzodiazepines In Part 2 of our evidence-based series on substance use in pregnancy, we're diving into substances that often come with the most fear—and the most misinformation. In this episode, we cover: Opioids (including prescription pain medications, heroin, and fentanyl) Stimulants , including methamphetamine Benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin) W...

Substance use during pregnancy is common, complicated, and often misunderstood. In Episode 1 of this two-part series, MamaDoc BabyDoc takes a clear, compassionate, evidence-based look at substances many people encounter every day— alcohol, nicotine and cigarettes, cannabis, and caffeine . We cut through myths, social media advice, and outdated warnings to answer the questions patients ask most: Is...

From cleaning products and pesticides to workplace chemicals, radiation, and everyday environmental toxins—pregnancy comes with a lot of warnings, and it's hard to know what actually matters and what's just noise. In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , we break down the science behind environmental and occupational exposures during pregnancy. What truly poses a risk to you and your baby—and what's b...

Pregnancy can turn a simple headache or cold into a stressful decision: Is this medication safe for my baby? In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , we break down medication safety in pregnancy—what medications are generally considered safe, which ones should be avoided, and the science behind those recommendations. As OB-GYN physicians and moms, we explain common over-the-counter and prescription me...

Pregnancy can change your skin in surprising and sometimes alarming ways. From itchy rashes and new acne to pigment changes and sensitivities you've never had before. What's normal and what's not? In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc we break down the most common pregnancy related skin changes, explain why they happen, and help you understand what's expected and what needs medical attention and when...

VBAC can be an empowering and safe option for many women—but it isn't the right choice for everyone. In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc , we break down what VBAC really means, who is a good candidate, and when a repeat C-section may be the safer option. We talk candidly about the benefits and risks of VBAC, including uterine rupture, success rates, and how factors like the type of prior C-section,...

Stress and Pregnancy: What It Does to Your Body—and How to Manage It Pregnancy can be a joyful time—but it can also be stressful, and that's completely normal. In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc, we talk about stress during pregnancy: what it is, how it affects your body, and how chronic stress can impact both you and your baby. We break down the science behind stress hormones, discuss common sour...