Mamatoosa

On this episode of the Mamatoosa podcast, midwife Atoosa Benji sits down with Psychiatrist Kirsten Thomas to discuss mental healthcare before, during, and after pregnancy. Dr. Kirsten shares from her professional experience helping clients overcome obstacles, as well as her personal experience as a loving mom. We hope you enjoy! Join us every Tuesday morning to hear conversations about womanhood,...

On this episode, Mamatoosa chats with Ali Arnkoff, a stellar pilates instructor, to discuss movement, wellness, and self-care before, during, and after pregnancy. They cover problems with the American medical system, as well as the pressures and expectations that mothers experience on their journey. We hope you enjoy! Join us every Tuesday morning to hear conversations about womanhood, motherhood,...

On this episode of the Mamatoosa podcast, Atoosa sits down with Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist Dr. Sahar Wertheimer. Dr. Wertheimer practices in the Los Angeles area and is a warm, compassionate voice in the medical community. They discuss approaches and treatments for infertility, dispel some myths around pregancy, and talk about strategies to help parents of all genders...

On this episode, Mamatoosa sits down with Nina Phelan, an experienced doula and hypnobirth practitioner. They discuss the power of hypnobirthing techniques, and the importance of supporting birthing people in feeling grounded and comfortable. They also discuss some of the challenges and rewards on their birthwork journeys. We hope you enjoy! Join us every Tuesday morning to hear conversations abou...

On this episode, Mamatoosa chats with Debra Pascali-Bonaro, doula trainer, author, and director of Orgasmic Birth. They talk about pleasure in childbirth and how to make delivery more grounding, safe, and fulfilling. They also discuss the obstacles surrounding pleasure in birth and the challenges women face in both hospitals and at-home settings. Plus, Debra drops some news about the brand new Fin...

This week, Mamatoosa sat down with Dr. Adrienne Youdim to talk about food, health, and what we're really hungry for. They discuss the pros and cons of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and how to improve out relationships with our bodies. Most importantly, they acknowledge the importance of destigmatizing issues around food, weight, and health. We hope you enjoy! Dr. Adrienne's Website: https://www.d...

On this episode, Mamatoosa sits down with her friend and colleague, Doctor and Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist Lori Silver. They talk about screening, diagnostics, and the power of collaborative care. We hope you enjoy! Join us every Tuesday morning to hear conversations about womanhood, motherhood, and birthwork. If you liked this episode of the Mamatoosa podcast, please consider subscribing o...

This week, Atoosa sits down with birthworker and doula Natalie Arambula to talk about deliveries, new life, and losing loved ones. Through their shared experiences they also explore themes of justice and forgiveness. We hope you enjoy! Join us every Tuesday morning to hear conversations about womanhood, motherhood, and birthwork. If you liked this episode of the Mamatoosa podcast, please consider...

In this episode of the Mamatoosa podcast, Atoosa Benji sits down with Elliot Berlin, DC to talk about chiropractics in birthwork. Elliot touches on his personal journey through infertility, pregnancy, and parenthood, as well as his professional experiences working with mothers and families. Check out Elliot's podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mureh373 Join us every Tuesday morning to hear conversat...

On this episode of the Mamatoosa podcast, Atoosa sits down with Sarah Shealy, a midwife, professor, and former dean of Atoosa's midwifery program. They talk about how hormonal changes in menopause and perimenopause affect physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as the connection between PDS and Menopause. We hope you enjoy! Episode Resources: Postpartum Planning Essentials Course https...

What happens when your body doesn’t follow the “standard script” for birth? In this episode of the Mamatoosa podcast, Atoosa sits down with Pessa, whose birth stories are anything but ordinary. From an unexpected C-section in New York to a miraculous VBAC in Los Angeles, and ultimately to multiple breech births, Pessa shares the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hard-earned wisdom of her journey. If...

On this episode of the Mamatoosa podcast, Atoosa sits down with Veronica, a powerful communicator and survivor of sexual violence. They talk about recovery from intense challenges, including eating disorders, alcoholism, and other traumas. We hope you enjoy this tender conversation about overcoming life's obstacles and emerging stronger on the other side. Resources Rape, Abuse & Incest Nationa...

Sign up for Mamatoosa's Doula Training Workshop here: https://shorturl.at/QS0Db Pre-order a copy of Reza Farahan's Memoirs of a Gay Shah here: https://shorturl.at/05y0p On this very special episode of the Mamatoosa Podcast, Atoosa Benji sits down with her childhood best friend Reza Farahan. Known for his role on Shahs of Sunset , Reza talks to Atoosa about growing up as an immigrant in LA,...

This week, Mamatoosa sat down with Dr. Daniel Niku, an obstetrician and gynecologist, to discuss collaborative care, differences between delivery models, and how to create client-centered practices. We hope you enjoy! Join us every Tuesday morning to hear conversations about womanhood, motherhood, and birthwork. If you liked this episode of the Mamatoosa podcast, please consider subscribing or lea...

This week, Atoosa sat down with Hila Bahari aka Mamaguide to talk about birth, motherhood, and parenting hacks for all the new moms out there. We hope you enjoy! Join us every Tuesday morning to hear conversations about womanhood, motherhood, and birthwork. If you liked this episode of the Mamatoosa podcast, please consider subscribing or leaving us a review.

In this week's episode, Atoosa sits down with one of her oldest friends to talk about life, death, joy, and grief. From losing her husband to cancer, to raising her children with strength and grace, Denise reminds us to live compassionately and authentically. Join us every Tuesday morning to hear conversations about womanhood, motherhood, and birthwork. If you liked this episode of the Mamatoosa p...

This week Atoosa sat down with Michelle Rey, one of her dear friends and mentors. Her story will take your breath away -from traumatic C-sections and literally being shot and nearly dying, to becoming one of the most compassionate midwives in the industry. Her journey is proof that our deepest wounds can become our greatest gifts to others. Join us every Tuesday morning to hear conversations about...

On this episode of the Mamatoosa podcast, Atoosa sits down with Amy Tinney over zoom to discuss their experiences as birthworkers, mothers, and women. We hope you enjoy! Join us every Tuesday morning to hear conversations about womanhood, motherhood, and birthwork. If you liked this episode of the Mamatoosa podcast, please consider subscribing or leaving us a review.

On this special episode of Mamatoosa, Atoosa sat down with Jordy and Molly, a mother and daughter with incredible birth stories (with a special guest appearance from a newborn too!). They discuss inter-generational trauma, healing, and family. If you or someone you know is experiencing similar challenges, please see the resource list below. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) Resource List...

This week on the podcast, Atoosa sits down with fellow birthworkers Shelia Feldman and Taylor Foreman. They talk about their careers, experiences delivering their own babies, and all things birth. We hope you enjoy! Join us every Tuesday morning to hear conversations about womanhood, motherhood, and birthwork. If you liked this episode of the Mamatoosa podcast, please consider subscribing or leavi...

In this episode, Mamatoosa sits down with Sami to discuss the births of her two children. They talk about the challenges of shoulder dystocia, the expert care provided in birth centers, and when it's time to switch to a hospital setting. Join us every Tuesday morning to hear conversations about womanhood, motherhood, and birthwork. If you liked this episode of the Mamatoosa podcast, please con...

In this episode, Mamatoosa discusses the history of birthwork. She talks about historical practices, the shift from midwifery to hospital-delivery, and the modern scope of practice of a midwife. For more resources and information, check out the below links.- California Association of Licensed Midwives: calmidwives.org- Midwives | Medical Board of California: mbc.ca.gov/Licensing/Licensed-Midwives-...

This week, Mamatoosa sat down with Amber to discuss Covid births, transfers from birthcenters to hospitals, and the resilience of mothers. Amber also recommended the book Frozen River, available wherever you get your books. Join us every Tuesday morning to hear conversations about womanhood, motherhood, and birthwork. If you liked this episode of the Mamatoosa podcast, please consider subscribing...

This week, Mamatoosa sat down with Sondra Whitehead to discuss resilience and perseverance in the face of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. If you or someone you know is experiencing similar challenges, please see the resource list below. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) Resource List Postpartum Support International Website (English): postpartum.net Sitio (Español): postpartum.net/...

Content Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics including stillbirth, miscarriage, and death. This week on the Mamatoosa podcast, Atoosa sat down with Kelila Green, a wife, mother, doula, surrogate, podcast host, speaker, and counselor. They talked about the joys and challenges of surrogacy, as well as Kelila's personal journey as a surrogate. Join us every Tuesday morning to hear convers...