Tylenol in Pregnancy: What you Really need to know. Episode #191
True Birth
In this episode, we tackle one of the most common questions in pregnancy of late: Is Tylenol safe? It’s the medication nearly every pregnant person reaches for at some point, yet the internet is full of conflicting headlines and confusing studies. We break down what the data actually shows, when Tylenol is appropriate, and how to use it safely. What We Cover • Why Tylenol (acetaminophen) is considered one of the first-lines in pregnancy We explain decades of clinical use, major guideline recommendations, and why it remains the preferred option for fever and pain relief. • What the...
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Listener Mail: You Wrote in and We're Talking About it
True Birth
You wrote in, and we listened! In this special listener mail episode, we’re answering your questions,reading your stories, and diving into what’s been on your minds. From real-life experiences to the big “what ifs,” we’re here to talk, laugh, and think it through together. Got something you want to share or ask? Keep it coming — we love hearing from you. Email us or send a voice memo, and you might just hear it on the next episode. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe—your questions could be featured in our next episode! For additional resources and information, be sure...
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The VBAC Playbook: Episode 189
True Birth
This show is about the VBAC Playbook—your complete guide to Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. We bring together everything you need to know in one place: all of our experience, the risks and benefits, the latest evidence, and the practical steps to prepare. Whether you’re weighing your options, looking for reassurance, or wanting to feel fully informed before talking with your provider, this playbook equips you with clear, comprehensive, and empowering information to help you make the best decision for your birth. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe—your questions could be...
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When to Seek Out a Second Opinion in Pregnancy: Episode #188
True Birth
Pregnancy and childbirth are filled with important decisions, and sometimes the advice you receive from your OB/GYN or midwife can feel overwhelming—or incomplete. In this episode of True Birth, we take an honest look at when and why you might consider seeking a second opinion during pregnancy or for birth planning. A second opinion is not about questioning your provider’s expertise—it’s about ensuring you have the full picture before making decisions that impact your health and your baby’s well-being. We discuss situations where a second opinion can be especially valuable: when...
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From Nicotine to Ibogaine: How Substances Shape Pregnancy Outcomes: Episode #187
True Birth
In this episode of True Birth, we take on one of the most fraught subjects in pregnancy care: substance use. Their conversation goes beyond the obvious admonition that “drugs are bad in pregnancy” to explore the nuance — what counts as a teratogen, which substances alter fetal development directly, and which compromise pregnancy through vascular, placental, or behavioral pathways. The discussion begins with tobacco, a substance that does not cause specific birth defects but exerts powerful vascular effects that restrict blood flow to the placenta, increasing the risks of low birth...
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Two Days, Two Docs: Stories from the Delivery Room: Episode #186
True Birth
Two Days, Two Docs: Stories from the Delivery Room takes you inside an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at 48 hours in Labor & Delivery through the eyes of two physicians: Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak and Dr. Apig Mosses from Maternal Resources. From the adrenaline of middle-of-the-night emergencies to the quiet, awe-filled moments of new life, these stories capture the highs, lows, and everything in between. Whether you’re a fellow clinician, an expectant parent, or simply curious about what really happens beyond those hospital doors, you’ll hear the human side of medicine—raw, real, and...
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New ACOG Guidance - "Transformation" to U.S. Prenatal Care Delivery: Episode #185
True Birth
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released new clinical guidance on April 17, 2025 that recommends, as they see it, reimagining prenatal care in the U.S. Instead of the traditional 12–14 in‑person visits, ACOG now advocates for individualized prenatal care schedules—especially for average‑ and low‑risk patients—tailored based on medical, social, and structural determinants of health as well as patient preferences The guidance encourages early needs assessments (ideally before 10 weeks), shared decision‑making, coordination of social support...
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Introducing Dr. Apig Mosses
True Birth
Dr. Mosses comes to Maternal Resources after serving as the Medical Director of the OB/GYN department at Ezra Medical Center in Brooklyn, where he built a thriving obstetric practice from the ground up, now averaging over 50–60 deliveries per month. Prior to that, he was a senior attending physician at NYU Langone in Midwood, Brooklyn, where he maintained a cesarean section rate of under 10%—a testament to his skill in supporting vaginal births, including twin deliveries and VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarean). His approach combines clinical rigor with a strong belief in giving patients...
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Sometimes You Don't Know: Birth Stories
True Birth
In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we explore birth stories. Through candid, firsthand birth stories, we highlight how listening to your body, trusting your instincts, and building the right care team can make all the difference. Whether you're planning a hospital birth, birth center experience, or home delivery, this episode reminds us that not all providers are created equal—and sometimes, your OB just doesn’t know when it comes to birth. Who This Episode is For: Pregnant people, birth workers, doulas, midwives, and anyone curious about the realities of modern maternity care....
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Re-Release: Epidurals in Labor & Delivery: Episode #78
True Birth
Epidural anesthesia is a type of local anesthetic that is injected into the epidural space. This procedure numbs the spinal nerve roots and provides a block to the lower abdomin, pelvic and lower extremity portion of the body. It is the safest and most effecive method of pharmacologic pain management in labor available. When it comes to managing labor pain, epidurals are one of the most commonly requested and effective options. But despite their widespread use, many expecting parents still have questions or concerns. Here’s what you need to know. An epidural is a type of regional...
info_outlineFirst vs. Second Pregnancy: What to Expect According to Birth Experts
Having attended over 10,000 births together, experienced Dr. Yaakov Abdlehak OB/GYN and certified nurse midwife Kristin Mallon consistently observe differences between first and second pregnancies — both in the body’s physical response and in the way care is personalized.
1. Labor tends to be faster in the second:
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In a first pregnancy ("primip"), the cervix, uterus, and pelvic floor are going through this process for the first time. Labor (especially early labor) is usually longer because the body is “learning” how to stretch and open.
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In a second pregnancy ("multip"), the cervix and uterus often respond more quickly. Labor tends to be shorter and more efficient — sometimes dramatically so.
2. Physical symptoms show up earlier in the second:
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Many women “show” earlier during the second pregnancy because the abdominal muscles and ligaments are already stretched from the first.
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Common symptoms like back pain, round ligament pain, and pelvic pressure may also appear sooner.
3. Confidence and mental preparation are different:
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First-time mothers often seek more reassurance, detailed explanations, and frequent check-ins because everything is new.
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Second-time mothers are often more tuned into their bodies, more trusting of the process, and ask for more autonomy. They typically want care that respects their previous experiences — whether that means avoiding past mistakes or replicating positive memories.
Tune in and listen as these two experts dive into these and other topics, sharing real-world insights, practical advice, and what every mother should know for her first, second, and beyond.
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