From Patient to Patient Advocate: Becoming Empowered and Knowing Your Rights

SEASON FINALE: Interview with Hailey Gibbs from the Center for American Progress

Hey Mama Struggle Listeners! Thanks for tuning in to another episode this week! This week I'm chatting with Hailey Gibbs from the Center for American Progress [https://www.americanprogress.org/]. Hailey and her team authored an amazing report that looks at maternal health from a holistic perspective. In this episode we discuss how federal policies around housing, neighborhood safety, food security, healthcare access, insurance affordability, and access to reproductive health all impact the long term health of families and communities.  Click here [https://www.americanprogress.org/article/a-strong-start-in-life-how-public-health-policies-affect-the-well-being-of-pregnancies-and-families/] to read the full report authored by Hailey et. al. Resources discussed in the episode: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/programs/temporary-assistance-needy-families-tanf Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Families: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program Other Center for American Progress Series on health-related topics: * https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-economic-educational-and-health-related-costs-of-being-a-woman/ [https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-economic-educational-and-health-related-costs-of-being-a-woman/] * https://www.americanprogress.org/article/black-women-need-access-to-paid-family-and-medical-leave/ [https://www.americanprogress.org/article/black-women-need-access-to-paid-family-and-medical-leave/] * https://www.americanprogress.org/article/expanded-child-tax-credits-have-been-a-lifeline-for-many/ [https://www.americanprogress.org/article/expanded-child-tax-credits-have-been-a-lifeline-for-many/] To learn more about The Mama Struggle, please feel free to visit us on Our website: https://themamastruggle.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themamastruggleisreal Instagram: @themamastruggle Check out the interview archive on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Tdkb0CSonBqdS6faYVOgQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Tdkb0CSonBqdS6faYVOgQ] If you would like to share your stories and reflections on show topics, please shoot us an email at thestruggleisreal@gmail.com. https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline [https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline] Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions. Many women feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or exhausted at different times during their pregnancy or after having a baby. These feelings can make it hard to care for yourself, care for your baby, or even do basic daily tasks. Sometimes these feelings go away on their own. But for some women, these emotions, if they last more than two weeks, are more serious and need treatment. ABOUT THE NATIONAL MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINE The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. The Hotline offers callers: * Phone or text access to professional counselors * Real-time support and information * Response within a few minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week * Resources * Referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups * Culturally sensitive support * Counselors who speak English and Spanish * Interpreter services in 60 languages  * The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can help. Call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746).

Quick IVIG Update and Side Effects

Hey Mama Struggle Listeners! Thanks for tuning in to another episode this week! This episode, I'm sharing a quick update about my IVIG (IV Immunoglobulin) treatments and their very real side effects. Life with a rare autoimmune disease is not fun. My dermatomyositis is improving but life has changed drastically.  To learn more about The Mama Struggle, please feel free to visit us on Our website: https://themamastruggle.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themamastruggleisreal Instagram: @themamastruggle Check out the interview archive on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Tdkb0CSonBqdS6faYVOgQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Tdkb0CSonBqdS6faYVOgQ] If you would like to share your stories and reflections on show topics, please shoot us an email at thestruggleisreal@gmail.com. https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline [https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline] Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions. Many women feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or exhausted at different times during their pregnancy or after having a baby. These feelings can make it hard to care for yourself, care for your baby, or even do basic daily tasks. Sometimes these feelings go away on their own. But for some women, these emotions, if they last more than two weeks, are more serious and need treatment. ABOUT THE NATIONAL MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINE The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. The Hotline offers callers: * Phone or text access to professional counselors * Real-time support and information * Response within a few minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week * Resources * Referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups * Culturally sensitive support * Counselors who speak English and Spanish * Interpreter services in 60 languages The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can help. Call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746).

I Stopped Breastfeeding for my Mental Health: Black Breastfeeding Week Edition 2022

TRIGGER WARNING: I discuss issues surrounding postpartum depression and anxiety and there is mention of suicidal ideation. Please take care of yourselves and skip this episode if that is a vulnerable space for you. Thank you.  Hey Mama Struggle Listeners! Thanks for tuning in to another episode this week! This week I'm sharing my breastfeeding journey story from top to bottom. I don't hold back so please use discretion while listening. This may not be appropriate for work or for little ears. Thank you! To learn more about The Mama Struggle, please feel free to visit us on Our website: https://themamastruggle.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themamastruggleisreal Instagram: @themamastruggle Check out the interview archive on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Tdkb0CSonBqdS6faYVOgQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Tdkb0CSonBqdS6faYVOgQ] If you would like to share your stories and reflections on show topics, please shoot us an email at thestruggleisreal@gmail.com. https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline [https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline] Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions. Many women feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or exhausted at different times during their pregnancy or after having a baby. These feelings can make it hard to care for yourself, care for your baby, or even do basic daily tasks. Sometimes these feelings go away on their own. But for some women, these emotions, if they last more than two weeks, are more serious and need treatment. ABOUT THE NATIONAL MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINE The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. The Hotline offers callers: * Phone or text access to professional counselors * Real-time support and information * Response within a few minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week * Resources * Referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups * Culturally sensitive support * Counselors who speak English and Spanish * Interpreter services in 60 languages The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can help. Call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746).

The Doula Difference: Changing the Narrative, One Birth at a Time

Hey Mama Struggle Listeners! Thanks for tuning in to another episode this week! This week I'm chatting with doulas Stephanie Oliver and Ashaki Tobias of Maternal Love Baton Rouge [https://www.maternallovebr.com/] about all things doula training, birth, and representation in birth work. To learn more about doula access in Baton Rouge, check out  https://www.maternallovebr.com/ Mentioned in the episode: Divine Bailey: https://www.instagram.com/divinebirthwisdom/ Sista Midwife Trainings: https://www.sistamidwifedirectory.com/ "Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn" by Penny Simkins: https://www.amazon.com/Pregnancy-Childbirth-Newborn-Complete-Guide/dp/0738284971/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=penny+simkin+pregnancy+childbirth+and+the+newborn&qid=1660744526&sprefix=penny+sim%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-1 Count the Kicks App (iOS): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/count-the-kicks/id844800332 Count the Kicks App (android) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.healthybirthday.countthekicks&hl=en_US&gl=US To learn more about The Mama Struggle, please feel free to visit us on Our website: https://themamastruggle.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themamastruggleisreal Instagram: @themamastruggle Check out the interview archive on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Tdkb0CSonBqdS6faYVOgQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Tdkb0CSonBqdS6faYVOgQ] If you would like to share your stories and reflections on show topics, please shoot us an email at thestruggleisreal@gmail.com. https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline [https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline] Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions. Many women feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or exhausted at different times during their pregnancy or after having a baby. These feelings can make it hard to care for yourself, care for your baby, or even do basic daily tasks. Sometimes these feelings go away on their own. But for some women, these emotions, if they last more than two weeks, are more serious and need treatment. ABOUT THE NATIONAL MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINE The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. The Hotline offers callers: * Phone or text access to professional counselors * Real-time support and information * Response within a few minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week * Resources * Referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups * Culturally sensitive support * Counselors who speak English and Spanish * Interpreter services in 60 languages The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can help. Call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746).

From Patient to Patient Advocate: Becoming Empowered and Knowing Your Rights

Hey Mama Struggle Listeners! Thanks for tuning in to another episode this week! This week I chat with an old friend, Lonnie Dupree about her experience with ectopic pregnancy, IVF, and how having to advocate for herself during a medical emergency positioned her to be able to advocate for another family.  To learn more about The Mama Struggle, please feel free to visit us on Our website: https://themamastruggle.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themamastruggleisreal Instagram: @themamastruggle Check out the interview archive on our YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Tdkb0CSonBqdS6faYVOgQ  If you would like to share your stories and reflections on show topics, please shoot us an email at thestruggleisreal@gmail.com. https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline [https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline] Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions. Many women feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or exhausted at different times during their pregnancy or after having a baby. These feelings can make it hard to care for yourself, care for your baby, or even do basic daily tasks. Sometimes these feelings go away on their own. But for some women, these emotions, if they last more than two weeks, are more serious and need treatment. ABOUT THE NATIONAL MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINE The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. The Hotline offers callers: * Phone or text access to professional counselors * Real-time support and information * Response within a few minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week * Resources * Referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups * Culturally sensitive support * Counselors who speak English and Spanish * Interpreter services in 60 languages The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can help. Call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746).