036: Laila | Learning to Mom
Ahma Need a Minute
Feeling lost and alone during her first pregnancy, Laila found herself battling prenatal depression without any relatable resources to turn to. As the first among her friends to get pregnant, the shame and loneliness were overwhelming. In this episode, Laila shares how she went from self-diagnosing her condition to creating a platform aimed at providing the support she desperately needed but couldn't find. Laila provides practical tips on finding the right therapist, building a support network, and setting healthy boundaries. Join us for a discussion that aims to validate your feelings and...
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035: Liz | Supporting Child Feeding Development
Ahma Need a Minute
Join us as we explore the intersection of occupational therapy (OT) and feeding support with our guest, Liz Koren, an experienced pediatric occupational therapist. Liz, who holds a master's degree from Boston University and runs Pure Pediatric Therapy, shares her extensive knowledge on addressing pediatric oral, motor, and feeding issues. Through her personal postpartum experiences, Liz offers invaluable insights into how OT can play a crucial role from infancy through early childhood, emphasizing the importance of educating new moms and empowering families to support their child's...
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034: Sarah: Simplifying Homeschooling with Occupational Therapy Principles
Ahma Need a Minute
If you think homeschooling requires a mountain of educational tools and rigid schedules, think again. In our latest episode, Sarah Collins, a registered and licensed occupational therapist with a unique blend of professional expertise in pediatrics, home health, and homeschooling, joins us. In this episode, Sarah shares her journey from skepticism to advocacy, detailing how occupational therapy principles can seamlessly integrate into a homeschooling environment to create a developmentally supportive space for children. We challenge the common misconceptions about early childhood education and...
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033: Emily: Navigating Anxiety, Depression, & Self-Care
Ahma Need a Minute
Join us in this episode as we explore the nuances of maternal mental health with Dr. Emily Guarnotta, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified perinatal mental health specialist. Dr. Guarnotta helps us understand the distinct differences between postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression. Learn how to recognize the signs when something feels off and the importance of seeking help early on. Listen in as we address the significant issue of underdiagnosis and insufficient screening for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. This conversation emphasizes the importance of basic self-care,...
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032: Kaitlin: Rethinking Baby Registries
Ahma Need a Minute
Join us for a conversation with Kaitlin McGreyes, the visionary founder of Be Her Village, as she shares her personal journey from motherhood to creating a revolutionary gift registry that prioritizes postpartum support over traditional baby products. Discover the common pitfalls of standard baby registries and how they often leave new parents unprepared for the real challenges of motherhood. Listen in as we discuss the overwhelming pressures new parents face to buy numerous baby items and how Be Her Village advocates for empowering parents by fostering a robust support network. Kaitlin...
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031: Carmen: The Power of Community and Curiosity in Parenting
Ahma Need a Minute
How can vulnerability and curiosity transform your parenting journey? Join us as we sit down with Carmen Stramara, a seasoned parent and postpartum doula, who shares her transformative experiences of raising children across diverse locations from Germany to Savannah, Georgia. Carmen opens up about the unique challenges of frequent moves due to her husband's career and how building a robust support network became her lifeline. Her journey highlights the profound impact of community on mental and physical well-being during the postpartum period. In our conversation, we delve into the teachings...
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030: Ashley: Breastfeeding Misconceptions, PMDD, & More
Ahma Need a Minute
What if breastfeeding isn't as natural and easy as we've been led to believe? Ever wondered why some women experience severe emotional and physical symptoms before their periods? Meet Ashley Shapiro, a dedicated nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), who shares her personal struggles with breastfeeding and how those challenges inspired her to support other mothers. Together, we uncover the myths about breastfeeding and shine a light on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Building a robust support network is crucial for new parents, and we’re here to...
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029: Tiffany: How Education Can Shape Your Birth Experience
Ahma Need a Minute
Join us as we explore the essential aspects of birth education with Tiffany Turner, a birth doula, massage therapist, and mother of four. Tiffany shares her experience from traumatic hospital births to empowering home births, revealing how these personal milestones shaped her career. Tiffany's rich experiences and extensive knowledge shine through as she discusses the evolution of her understanding of childbirth and her mission to help families feel safe and confident throughout their birthing journey. In this episode, we also cover the significance of creating flexible birth plans and the...
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028: A New Season: Welcome Back to Ahma Need a Minute!
Ahma Need a Minute
Hi! My name is Gigi, and I'm the new host of Ahma Need a Minute. We're so excited to welcome you back to the podcast.
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027: Michaela: Resurfacing and Healing from Postpartum Depression
Ahma Need a Minute
After a traumatic birth experience, Michaela experienced symptoms of depression three weeks into the newborn phase. Feelings of hopelessness would surface with each new day, which compounded with the peak of lockdown. Michaela advocated for her mental health and ultimately received the treatment she needed to break through.
info_outlineHi! My name is Gigi, and I'm the new host of Ahma Need a Minute. We're so excited to welcome you back to the podcast.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Esther, the founder and CEO of Ahma & Co. We explore the multifaceted world of postpartum care, highlighting the impact that doulas, lactation educators, and newborn care specialists can have on the well-being of new families.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The changing landscape of postpartum care and the need for accessible support systems for modern parents.
- The day-to-day life of a doula and how we can make a difference in the early weeks, including support for hygiene, nutrition, newborn care guidance, babywearing, and establishing routines for new families.
- Ahma & Co’s vision of transforming postpartum care into a universal right.
- The behind the scenes details of opening our first postpartum retreat at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach.
Resources from this Episode
- Ahma & Co: https://www.ahmaandco.com
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