Pregnancy, Rheumatoid Arthritis & Resilience
The MotherToBaby Podcast
What happens when a researcher studying pregnancy becomes a patient navigating her own autoimmune diagnosis? In this powerful episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, genetic counselor Chris Stallman, CGC, sits down with Dr. Christina Longo, Assistant Professor at the University of Montreal and perinatal epidemiologist, to discuss her lived experience managing rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Dr. Longo shares how her first diagnosis during pregnancy reshaped her research focus—from child outcomes to the importance of maternal health, mental wellbeing, and self-advocacy....
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How Birth Defect Surveillance Protects Moms & Babies: From Zika to Opioid Exposure
The MotherToBaby Podcast
How do public health experts detect emerging risks to pregnancies before they become widespread crises? In this episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, host Chris Stallman, genetic counselor, mom of four, and teratogen information specialist, sits down with Dr. Amanda Elmore, Assistant Professor of Maternal & Child Health at the University of South Florida, to explore the powerful role of birth defect surveillance. Dr. Elmore shares how her career in public health began during the Zika virus epidemic—reviewing medical records of exposed infants to help the CDC understand the real-world...
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The Fourth Trimester: Medications, Beauty Products & Breastfeeding After Birth
The MotherToBaby Podcast
The weeks after delivery (often called the fourth trimester) can raise just as many questions as pregnancy itself. From pain management and supplements to beauty treatments and mental health medications, many parents are unsure how different exposures may affect breastfeeding. In this episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, host Chris Stallman, MS, CGC, is joined by Kirstie Perrotta, MPH, and Angela Messer, MS, Teratogen Information Specialists from MotherToBaby California, to discuss some of the most common postpartum questions they receive from parents and healthcare providers. Together, they...
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Coffee, Sushi, Medicine and More in Pregnancy
The MotherToBaby Podcast
Expecting a baby often comes with a long list of questions—and a lot of conflicting information. Can you really drink coffee? What about sushi or soft cheese? Which cold medications are ok in pregnancy? And how should you handle everyday exposures like cleaning products? In this episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, host Chris Stallman, Certified Genetic Counselor and mom of four, is joined by returning guests Angela Messer and Kirstie Perrotta, both experienced teratogen information specialists (and moms themselves). Together, they sort through some of the most common pregnancy...
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From Strep to RHD: A Mother’s Story and a Community’s Fight
The MotherToBaby Podcast
Group A strep might sound like a simple sore throat—but for many children and families in American Samoa, it can have life-threatening consequences. In this episode of the MotherToBaby Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Anaise Uso, a public health leader and mother, who shares both her professional and deeply personal experiences with strep infections, rheumatic fever, and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Together, we explore: What Group A Strep is and the common signs of strep throat and skin infections. How untreated infections can progress into rheumatic fever and, ultimately, rheumatic heart...
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Sorting Fact from Fiction: Finding Reliable Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Information Online
The MotherToBaby Podcast
With so much information online, it can feel overwhelming to know what’s trustworthy—especially when you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a family. In this episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, host Chris Stallman, CGC, sits down with Bridget Maloney, MS, CGC of the University of Arizona and MotherToBaby Arizona to unpack how to separate credible health information from clickbait headlines. They discuss: -How to tell if a website or social media post is reliable -Common “red flags” and buzzwords to look out for -Why even well-intentioned online advice can sometimes mislead -How...
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Epilepsy, Pregnancy, and Advocacy: Dr. Kristi McIntosh’s Story of Science and Strength
The MotherToBaby Podcast
What happens when epilepsy meets pregnancy planning? In this episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, host Chris Stallman, MS, CGC—a genetic counselor, mom of four, and teratogen information specialist—talks with Dr. Kristi McIntosh from the University of British Columbia. Dr. McIntosh shares her powerful personal and professional journey—from being diagnosed with epilepsy at age ten to navigating fertility challenges, medication changes, and high-risk pregnancies. As both a scientist and a mom, she offers unique insights into: 💊 Managing anti-epileptic drugs during pregnancy 🧠 What...
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ADHD in Pregnancy: Medication Decisions, Daily Functioning & Finding Support
The MotherToBaby Podcast
Managing ADHD during pregnancy can feel overwhelming—especially when juggling appointments, medications, mood changes, and everyday life. In this episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, genetic counselor and teratogen information specialist Chris Stallman, CGC sits down with returning guest Dr. Christy Pratt, a pharmacist at Kaiser Permanente Colorado, for an in-depth, practical conversation about ADHD in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Together, they discuss: How ADHD symptoms can shift during pregnancy What to consider when deciding whether to continue stimulant or non-stimulant medications How...
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Understanding REMS & Medication Safety in Pregnancy: What Patients & Providers Need to Know
The MotherToBaby Podcast
Concerned about medication use during pregnancy? You’re not alone. In this episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, host Chris Stallman, MS, CGC (genetic counselor, mom of four, teratogen information specialist) sits down with Dr. Judy C. Morrow of Harvard Medical School to break down how FDA REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) programs help reduce the risk of birth defects and protect pregnant patients. Together, they discuss: ✔️ What REMS programs are and why they exist ✔️ How REMS programs support safe medication use ✔️ The role of manufacturers, prescribers, and...
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Folic Acid Facts & Fiction: What Every Parent Should Know – with Dr. Elisabeth Marnik (@ScienceWhizLiz)
The MotherToBaby Podcast
In this special Folic Acid Awareness Week episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, host and genetic counselor Chris Stallman sits down with Dr. Elisabeth Marnik, PhD—a biomedical scientist, mom, and science communicator better known as @ScienceWhizLiz on Instagram. Together, they unpack the science behind folic acid, its critical role in early pregnancy, and why it's one of the most important (yet misunderstood) nutrients for people of childbearing age. From real talk on neural tube defect prevention to busting social media myths like “folic acid causes tongue ties” or “MTHFR mutations...
info_outlineLaney Poye and Trashaun Powell of the Preeclampsia Foundation share their personal stories and avenues for preeclampsia information with host, Chris Stallman, CGC.
Laney Poye serves as the Director of Communications and Engagement for the Preeclampsia Foundation supporting their work to improve maternal healthcare and find a cure for families affected by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. In addition to her many years of professional experience in maternal health patient advocacy, Laney also serves as a representative voice for women who have experienced infertility, IVF, and pregnancy loss.
Trashaun Powell is a maternal health advocate based in New Jersey. She survived a near-death pregnancy experience as a result of HELLP Syndrome. This resulted in the immediate birth of her daughter Mia Jane at 23 weeks. Unfortunately, due to Mia’s severe prematurity, she passed away 2 days later. Trashaun continues to amplify and illustrate her compelling childbirth experience of tragedy and hope.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Preeclampsia Foundation Website
Episode 26: Preeclampsia, Eclampsia and Postpartum Preeclampsia