Busy Mom Talk, The Podcast

Part 1: Obstetrics care, MFM doctors, and Medicalization of Pregnancy with Dr. Stu

Episode Overview In this episode of Busy Mom Talk, I sit down with Dr. Stuart Fischbein (Dr. Stu), obstetrician-trained with over 40 years of experience, to unpack the realities of modern obstetric care and the evolving role of midwifery. This conversation dives into the tension between medicalized birth and natural, physiological processes, and challenges the systems that shape how care is delivered today. Dr. Stu shares how his perspective has shifted over decades in practice and why he believes many current models may not always serve mothers and babies in the best way. Key Topics Covered The Medicalization of Pregnancy We explore how pregnancy has increasingly been treated as a medical condition rather than a natural life event. Dr. Stu explains how this mindset can lead to unnecessary interventions and a disconnect between providers and patients. Experience vs. System Training Dr. Stu reflects on how decades in the field have changed his approach. He discusses how reliance on technology and standardized protocols may be impacting practitioner skill and confidence in physiological birth. Cognitive Dissonance in Care The conversation highlights the gap between what providers are trained to do and what may actually benefit patients. We unpack how this disconnect can influence decision-making during pregnancy and labour. The Value of Midwifery-Led Care We dive into the benefits of midwifery, including continuity of care, deeper patient relationships, and a more personalized approach that supports both emotional and physical wellbeing. Barriers to Integration Despite clear benefits, midwifery still faces systemic challenges. We discuss the historical, cultural, and financial factors that keep midwives from being fully integrated into mainstream care models. Rethinking the System Dr. Stu shares his perspective on what needs to change moving forward, including shifting toward a more collaborative model where midwives lead low-risk care and obstetricians step into supportive, consultative roles. Highlight A powerful takeaway from this episode is the idea that how we view pregnancy shapes how we treat it. When birth is seen as something to manage rather than support, it changes the entire experience for mothers. This conversation encourages a shift toward trust, autonomy, and informed choice. Follow along on IG @busymomtalk Follow Dr. Stu on IG @birthinginsticts

Part 1: Obstetrics care, MFM doctors, and Medicalization of Pregnancy with Dr. Stu

Episode Overview In this episode of Busy Mom Talk, I sit down with Dr. Stuart Fischbein (Dr. Stu), obstetrician-trained with over 40 years of experience, to unpack the realities of modern obstetric care and the evolving role of midwifery. This conversation dives into the tension between medicalized birth and natural, physiological processes, and challenges the systems that shape how care is delivered today. Dr. Stu shares how his perspective has shifted over decades in practice and why he believes many current models may not always serve mothers and babies in the best way. Key Topics Covered The Medicalization of Pregnancy We explore how pregnancy has increasingly been treated as a medical condition rather than a natural life event. Dr. Stu explains how this mindset can lead to unnecessary interventions and a disconnect between providers and patients. Experience vs. System Training Dr. Stu reflects on how decades in the field have changed his approach. He discusses how reliance on technology and standardized protocols may be impacting practitioner skill and confidence in physiological birth. Cognitive Dissonance in Care The conversation highlights the gap between what providers are trained to do and what may actually benefit patients. We unpack how this disconnect can influence decision-making during pregnancy and labour. The Value of Midwifery-Led Care We dive into the benefits of midwifery, including continuity of care, deeper patient relationships, and a more personalized approach that supports both emotional and physical wellbeing. Barriers to Integration Despite clear benefits, midwifery still faces systemic challenges. We discuss the historical, cultural, and financial factors that keep midwives from being fully integrated into mainstream care models. Rethinking the System Dr. Stu shares his perspective on what needs to change moving forward, including shifting toward a more collaborative model where midwives lead low-risk care and obstetricians step into supportive, consultative roles. Highlight A powerful takeaway from this episode is the idea that how we view pregnancy shapes how we treat it. When birth is seen as something to manage rather than support, it changes the entire experience for mothers. This conversation encourages a shift toward trust, autonomy, and informed choice. Part two will be released next week! Follow along on IG @busymomtalk Follow Dr. Stu on IG @birthinginsticts

Dr. Vanessa Myers' Birth & Postpartum Experience With Twin Micro-Premie Babies

Episode Overview In this episode of Busy Mom Talk, we sit down with Dr. Vanessa Myers, a new mom of twins and recent PhD graduate, to talk about what it really looks like to balance motherhood with higher education. From strategically planning her pregnancy during her PhD to navigating the unexpected challenges of a micro-premature birth, Vanessa shares an honest and powerful look into resilience, adaptability, and the realities of doing both. This conversation is for any mom who feels like she’s juggling everything at once and wondering how to make it all work. Key Topics Covered The Reality of Balancing a PhD and New Motherhood Vanessa walks us through how she intentionally planned her academic timeline around starting a family, and how that planning helped set her up for success. But even with preparation, she shares how quickly expectations can shift once babies arrive—especially with twins. When Plans Change: Navigating the Unexpected The early arrival of her twins at 26 weeks brought a completely different experience than expected. Vanessa opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of a NICU journey, and how she coped during one of the most difficult periods of her life. Time Management and Working in the Margins From writing her dissertation during nap times to learning how to prioritize what truly matters, Vanessa shares realistic strategies for getting things done in small pockets of time. This is not about perfection—it’s about progress. The Importance of Support Systems A major theme throughout this episode is the role of community. Vanessa highlights how family, friends, and support networks played a critical role in helping her manage both motherhood and academia. Mindset, Resilience, and Letting Go of Expectations Vanessa reflects on the mental shift required to navigate both roles. From letting go of rigid expectations to embracing flexibility, she shares how mindset plays a huge role in surviving and thriving during demanding seasons of life. Final Thoughts This episode is a reminder that there is no “perfect” way to balance motherhood and big goals. It’s messy, unpredictable, and deeply personal—but it is possible. Whether you’re in school, building a career, or navigating a new season of motherhood, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired to keep going.

Grief, Solo-parenting and Entrepreneurship Talk With Co-founder of Charly Goss Style Inc, Mario Mancuso

Episode Overview In this episode, we sit down with Mario Mancuso, a solo father of two navigating life after the loss of his wife while balancing entrepreneurship and a full-time career in the HVAC industry. Mario shares an honest and deeply personal look into what solo parenting really looks like behind the scenes. We talk about the emotional weight of carrying multiple roles, the quiet guilt many parents feel, and the reality of trying to show up fully for both your children and your work when your capacity is stretched thin. Mario opens up about grief, resilience, and the moments that challenge you the most as a parent. This conversation also explores the importance of building a support system, especially for men who may struggle to ask for help. From finding reliable childcare to leaning on community, Mario shares what has helped him stay afloat during the hardest seasons. We also dive into the realities of modern parenting, including the financial pressures families face today and the need for more flexibility and understanding in the workplace. This episode is a reminder that while solo parenting can feel isolating, there is strength in connection and shared experience. Key Topics Covered * What solo parenting looks like after loss * Balancing entrepreneurship, full-time work, and fatherhood * The emotional toll of guilt, burnout, and grief * Why asking for help is hard and why it matters * The role of community and support systems in parenting * Finding stability through childcare and trusted support * Financial pressures and the realities of modern parenting * The need for more flexible, family-centered workplaces * Redefining strength and resilience as a parent Follow along on instagram, @BusyMomTalk and don't forget to like, subscribe, and comment!

Navigating Motherhood As A Working Mom Of Three

Episode Overview In this episode of Busy Mom Talk, I sit down with Meenakshi, an Ottawa mom of three who is balancing full-time work, motherhood, and content creation. This conversation feels like one of those honest, needed chats about what motherhood actually looks like behind the scenes. We get into the mental load, the pressure to keep everything together, and how overwhelming it can feel trying to be everything to everyone. Meenakshi shares her journey into motherhood and how starting her blog became an outlet during a time where so many emotions were hard to process. We talk about what it really feels like returning to work after maternity leave, especially with multiple kids, and how that transition is often way harder than people talk about. We also dive into the cultural side of motherhood. The expectations that are passed down, the pressure to do things a certain way, and how our generation is starting to question all of it. This part of the conversation really opens up the idea that motherhood doesn’t have to look one specific way, and that it’s okay to do things differently if it feels right for your family. We talk about social media and how it can both connect and overwhelm moms at the same time. The comparison, the pressure, and the unrealistic standards that can creep in. We also touch on gentle parenting and what it looks like to raise kids with intention while still navigating real life stress. Overall, this episode is about giving yourself permission to not have it all figured out. To take care of yourself too. And to build a version of motherhood that actually works for you, not just what’s expected. Key Topics Covered • Balancing work, motherhood, and personal identity • The mental load and invisible responsibilities moms carry • Returning to work after maternity leave • Cultural expectations and generational differences in parenting • Breaking traditional norms and parenting in a way that feels right • The impact of social media on motherhood • Gentle parenting and intentional parenting approaches • The importance of community and support systems • Prioritizing self-care without guilt Follow along on IG @BusyMomTalk and don't forget to subscribe, like and follow!