The Savvy Black Birther

Navigating the pregnancy and birth of a child can be overwhelming and rewarding too. Being tried and tested to come out on the other side of delivery with the gift you've been waiting for is the highlight of the journey.  But wait; what about the after?  The postpartum time is neglected in today’s society leaving women and birthing people feeling ill-prepared, underserved, and often lonely to cope with physical., mental, and emotional changes. Postpartum Physical Therapist Lashonda Jones and Licensed Perinatal Clinical Psychologist Dr. Angel Montfort discuss the postpartum period, the forgotten trimester, and clues for wisely preparing. Follow Lashonda Jones, Licensed Physical Therapist: Core Elevation Fitness Sign up for Lashonda's free 5 Day Diastasis Recti Challenge & additional resources postpartum resources here. You can also find Lashonda on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow Dr. Angel Montfort, Licensed Clinical Psychologist: Center for Maternal Mental Health You can also find Dr. Montfort on Instagram. DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information recorded should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified professional.

Have you ever been diagnosed with uterine fibroids? What do you do when you feel like your uterus has failed you? Is it even possible to heal from uterine fibroids? Founder LaToya Dwight of “The Fibroid Pandemic”, a safe place helping women achieve confidence in healing from fibroids, shares her journey and offers sound information and empowerment. LaToya Dwight, Founder of "The Fibroid Pandemic can be found online on Instagram @thefibroidpandemic on YouTube on Clubhouse @fibroidpandemic on the web at The Fibroid Pandemic   Savvy Listeners get your free download from The Fibroid Pandemic: Top 3 Key Things to Know About Health Insurance   DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information recorded should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified professional.

Want to know proven hacks to navigate the healthcare system as a person who is embarking on parenthood? Hear from community experts, a nurse clinician, a midwife, a pediatrician, and Lactation Consultant as they give expert advice on safely accessing maternal-child healthcare in our complicated and flawed healthcare system. Featuring guest experts, Pediatrician - Dr. Regine Brioché, Nurse - Katrice Carpenter, Midwife - Lodz Joseph-Lemon.  You can find our guests here: Dr. Reginé Brioché - On Instagram @dr.rae_md -- Online: Tribeca Pediatrics - Crown Heights  Katrice Carpenter, RNC-OB - On Instagram @KatricetheMonitrice -- Facebook - The Mother's Advocate -- Online: KatriceCarpenter.com  Lodz Joseph-Lemon, CNM, MPH, CBC, CD - On Instagram @thehaitianmidwife -- Foundation for Advancement of Haitian Midwives, Inc (FAHM) DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information recorded should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified professional.

Has it ever dawn on you that the healthcare provider that you’ve sat across from was once a student? An individual who was shaped into the professional they are today. Now granted, every individual is unique and may evolve differently. Nonetheless, it is when they are being educated that philosophies are formed. Wouldn’t it make sense to begin our reform there? Let’s hear what three healthcare professionals in training have to say; a student nurse, student midwife, and resident. Featured Guests: Melissa Banfield, LPN - follow on Instagram here and here. Dr. Rachel Bervell, MD MS - follow on Instagram here. Ashleigh Evans - follow here and on Instagram here. To build on the efforts, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, Congresswoman Alma Adams, Senator Cory Booker, and members of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 needs your support! The Black Maternal Health Momnibus builds on existing legislation to comprehensively address every dimension of the maternal health crisis in America. There's a second legislature that passed the U.S. House of Representatives introduced by Congresswoman Robin Kelly. To learn more about the Helping MOMS Act, click here. If you are looking to take action on the important issue of maternal health in America and more specifically Black Maternal Health, you can: 1. Reach out to your Members of Congress in the House of Representatives and the Senate to make yourself heard. Look up your Representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives here and your Senators here. 2. Spread the word via social media. 3. GET INVOLVED in your community! DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information recorded should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified professional.

In this episode, we discuss all things sex during pregnancy and postpartum. We will talk about myths and facts and give you all the tips and tricks to having a healthy sex life during pregnancy and after. Featuring Certified Sex & Dating Coach Myisha Battle.  This episode is sponsored by Allbodies. Myisha Battle can be found here: Podcasts:  Down for Whatever & Dating White      Website:  myishabattle.com      Social Media:  Twitter @MyishaBattle & Instagram @MyishaBattle      You can also find Myisha's classes on Allbodies.  Allbodies made a special offer for all Savvy Black Birther Listeners - they're offering $5 off a monthly Allbodies membership. Instead of the regular $17.99, they've offered listeners a $5 discount for just $12.99/ month. Sign up at bit.ly/Savvy-Allbodies.   DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information recorded should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified professional.

Listen as the host of The Savvy Black Birther podcast, Takiya Sakina Ballard, Licensed Midwife, tells the story of her journey through life, from her childhood until now. This is a must-listen-to audio autobiography for anyone on a journey of self-discovery. This is #herstory , a story of perseverance!

This episode features the birth story of Nykeba Sonubi, a South Florida-based creator and entrepreneur with a vast background in sales, education, marketing, and storytelling.  Nykeba’s story is one of tests and trials; in her account, she describes how she learned to block out the noise of expectations, bullying, and the unknown to trust her body, her baby, and ultimately herself! Where can Nykeba be found? Social media handles: Instagram: @nykeba / @corirene  / @beyondmytitle Facebook: facebook.com/corireneco  /  facebook.com/beyondmytitle Websites: Cori René Beyond My Title LinkedIn DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information recorded should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified professional.

In this episode, we explore infertility and pregnancy loss in the Black community with special guest Erica McAfee, Founder of Sisters in Loss, a community of black women replacing silence with storytelling. Grab a cup of tea and listen to this powerful message!  Find Erica Here!  Website: Sisters in Loss     Special Offer: 35% Off Bereavement for Doula Training - simply click here and enter CODE 35OFF  Instagram | Facebook | Youtube DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information recorded should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified professional.

This episode features the birth story of Helanah Warren, who is an entrepreneur who helps working professionals create & commit to their wellness goals. She is a Plant-based chef, Licensed Massage Therapist, Yoga Instructor, and Meditation Educator. Early on, she knew that she wanted to have a natural birth when she became pregnant, and in this episode, she talks about the importance of preparedness. Her journey is sure to inspire and inform!  Helanah can be followed on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook  Helanah's work can be found on these websites: HelloHelanah & Soulful Affirmations  DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information recorded should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified professional.

Those who champion the birthing community encourage birthing people to self-advocate, but what exactly is self-advocacy? In this episode, we explore this concept with community advocates Nicole JeanBaptiste and La Chanda Marcelle-Moor.   Nicole JeanBaptiste can be found on her website: Sésé Doula Services and on Instagram: @sese_doula  La Chanda Marcelle-Moor can be found on her website: Rutu Lobi and on these social media platforms: Instagram @rutulobi and Linkedin. DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information recorded should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified professional.

Season Finale (Part 2): This episode reviews the birth story of Shannel Pearman, an Emmy Nominated News Reporter who had a stroke secondary to postpartum preeclampsia, and it almost cost her her life. This episode dissects this birth story offering listeners consumer education and self-advocacy literacy.

Season Finale (Part 1): This episode features the birth story of Shannel Pearman is an Emmy Nominated news reporter living in Baltimore, Maryland with her husband and young son. In 2019, just one week after giving birth, Shannel had a stroke that almost cost her her life. Because of the stroke, she, unfortunately, lost some of her vision and has been recovering ever since. Shannel is now working to use her voice and platform to spread awareness of stroke after birth as well as the healthcare disparities affecting black women throughout the country.  Special Guest: Shannel Pearman Instagram: @shannelpearman Twitter: @ShannelPearman Facebook: @ShannelPearman

An in-depth conversation with midwives representing Black Midwifery’s past, present, and future. This is a real and relevant conversation for the community to inspire strategic partnerships and support.    Special Guests:   Elder Midwife Umm Salaamah “Sondra” Abdullah-Zaimah, MSN, CNM, CPM, CCM, CD - Website: Abundance Birth Midwife Aiyana Davison, CNM WHNP - Website: Vagina Chronicles Twitter: @thevagchronicle Instagram: @thevaginachronicles  Elder Midwife Afua Hassan, LM - Website: The Birthing Place Twitter: @AfuaHassan Instagram/YouTube: @TheBirthingPlace  Student Midwife Efe Osaren, CD, CLC  Website: Doula Chronicles Twitter: @Sassye Instagram/Facebook: @DoulaChronicles  DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified healthcare professional.

In this episode, we will discuss surgical birth with two Obstetrician-Gynecologists, both of BIPOC descent, one practicing in the American healthcare system, and the other practicing for the National Health Service (NHS). We will examine the similarities and differences in obstetrical care and discuss surgical birth when both countries experience one of the starkest examples of racial health inequalities; maternal mortality.   Featuring:  Dr. Sharee Livingston, DO (USA-based OBGYN) - Patients R Waiting - Diversifying Doula Initiatives  Dr. Ria Clarke, BM MA (UK-based OBGYN) - @thedoctormummy   DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information recorded should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified healthcare professional.

We talk about the electronic fetal monitoring system, the system that all laboring individuals are connected to when they enter the hospital system to birth. This episode will not disappoint. It’s jam-packed with tons of information that YOU, the birthing person, have too long been without.   DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information recorded should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified healthcare professional.

“Sonogram: The Great Pretender” offers listeners an abundance of information about obstetrical ultrasound. It equips you to make informed decisions regarding sonogram examination during your pregnancy journey. DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information recorded should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified healthcare professional.

An in-depth conversation with experienced midwives from the hospital, birth center, and home settings who talk about the components of the typical prenatal visit with special guests:  Paola Giraldo, CNM, MSN (Brooklyn, New York) - Instagram: @rebirth_midwifery AND  Trinisha Williams, CM, LM, MPH, FACCE, LCCE, LC (Brooklyn, New York) - Haven Midwifery Birthing Center  Please donate here! DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information recorded should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified healthcare professional.

This episode details the concept of “pregnancy wellness” and offers the listener the opportunity to explore the life and pregnancy experiences of our guest Nykeba Sonubi as she journeys towards her personal wellness. Grab a cup of tea and listen to this wonderful story!   Where can Nykeba be found? Social media handles: Instagram: @nykeba / @corirene  / @beyondmytitle Facebook: facebook.com/corireneco  /  facebook.com/beyondmytitle Websites: Cori René    Use code SAVVYBLACKBIRTHER to receive 10% off your next Cori René order! Beyond My Title LinkedIn DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information recorded should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified healthcare professional.

This episode details the how-tos of vetting a healthcare provider. How do you know if you’re picking a good one?  For access to the document mentioned in the podcast, click here! DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information recorded should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified healthcare professional.

This episode details the pitfalls of the Medical Industrial Complex (MIC), how to recognize them, and how to safeguard yourself when birthing in the MIC. We're talking about ”breaking the bitch down,” the Medical Industrial Complex that is, and the constructs it conditions birthing healthcare consumers to have. Guest Information Dr. Stephanie Mitchell, CNM DNP MSN  can be found on Instagram @doctor_midwife Support Birth Sanctuary Gainsville! Financial contributions can be made by clicking here.  DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information recorded should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified healthcare professional.

This episode details the how-tos of becoming a savvy healthcare consumer. It describes the ins and outs of the American Healthcare System and how to navigate it wisely. DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information recorded should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified healthcare professional.

This trailer describes the purpose and mission of the podcast. It is a personal invitation from the creator and host Takiya Sakina Ballard, CNM, to you, the listener, to sit back and enjoy the show. You’re welcome to listen and be informed. Be equipped. And be Savvy Black Birthers! DISCLAIMER: The Savvy Black Birther Podcast host and guests do not give legal or healthcare advice, rather information derived from the evidence and/or extensive practice experience. No information recorded should be taken as advice about your personal situation or healthcare decisions. This information is disseminated for the sole purpose of education and empowerment. If you need legal or healthcare advice or information, seek out a well-vetted and suitably qualified healthcare professional.