Perinatal & Reproductive Perspectives
Welcome to Perinatal and Reproductive Perspectives, the podcast that empowers individuals and professionals navigating the complex world of perinatal and reproductive health. Hosted by a healthcare expert, this show dives deep into evidence-based practices, holistic approaches, and personal experiences to help birthing individuals, their partners, and health professionals thrive. Whether you're preparing for parenthood, supporting a loved one, or working in the field, our episodes provide actionable insights, relatable stories, and expert advice. Join us to explore topics like mental health, reproductive and perinatal rights, cultural competence, and the latest innovations in care. Together, we’ll foster understanding, equity, and growth in every aspect of this transformative journey.
Listen, learn, and connect as we build a community dedicated to empowering lives through knowledge and compassion.
Episodes
25 episodes
After the Negative Test: So Now What?
In this heartfelt episode, Lana Manikowski opens up about her deeply personal journey through infertility — from years of hope and disappointment to ultimately redefining what it means to live a fulfilled life without children. Lana shares how ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 25
•
1:10:37
The Lie of Perfection: Reaching Maternal Wisdom
Motherhood is often portrayed as pure joy and unconditional love—but what about the moments of doubt, frustration, or even resentment that many parents quietly experience? In this insightful conversation, Dr. Margo Lowy, psychoanalytic p...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 24
•
49:22
The Root of It All: Functional Nutrition for Fertility, Pregnancy & Beyond
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Brandy Cummings, DCN—a former blackjack dealer turned clinical nutritionist who's anything but conventional. Dr. B shares her deeply personal journey through illness, infertility, and being overloo...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 23
•
50:09
Inclusive Beginnings: Mental Health Advocacy with Dr. Fisher
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sheehan Fisher, an Associate Professor and perinatal clinical psychologist at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Fisher, who also serves as the Associate Dean for Academic Environment a...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 22
•
43:35
From Partners to Parents: A Gottman Perspective
Becoming parents is one of life’s most joyful—and most challenging—transitions. Research shows that two-thirds of couples experience a significant dip in relationship satisfaction after the birth of a child. The Bringing Baby Home prog...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 21
•
1:01:35
Below the Belt, Above the Norm: A Gyn Oncologist's Perspective
In this episode, we're joined by the remarkable Dr. Ruchi Garg, newly appointed Chief Medical Officer of Fairview Park Hospital, part of the HCA Healthcare system. With over 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Garg brings deep expertise in gyn...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 20
•
54:43
When Motherhood Doesn't Come: The Other Side of the Story Part II
In Part Two of our conversation with Debbie, we delve deeper into the emotional aftermath of involuntary childlessness and what it means to reclaim identity and purpose beyond motherhood. Debbie shares how her healing journey evolved over time—...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 19
•
36:49
When Motherhood Doesn't Come: The Other Side of the Story Part I
After coming to terms with the end of her journey to motherhood, Debbie has spent years processing the emotional impact of being labeled “childless” in a society that often idealizes parenthood. Her recent work focuses on sharing her personal e...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 18
•
1:03:51
The Pelvic Floor Files: Restoring Balance with a Urogynecologist Dr. Maria Canter
Dr. Maria Canter is double board-certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Obstetrics and Gynecology—making her one of the first surgeons in the country to hold both certifications. Known for her thoughtful and i...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 17
•
1:01:17
Leading with Lived Experience: Perinatal Mental Health, Peer Support, and Hope with Wendy Davis, CEO of Postpartum Support International
Wendy Davis, PhD, PMH-C, is the President and CEO of Postpartum Support International (PSI), an organization dedicated to supporting the mental health of people during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Under her leadership, P...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 16
•
1:15:00
Reproductive Acupuncture: Calming the Nervous System to Support Fertility
Nicole Lange LicAc MAOM founded Life Healing Life in Minneapolis, MN with a revolutionary approach to healthcare that transcends the traditional "doctor fixes patient" model. As an acupuncturist and practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 15
•
43:40
Navigating Reproductive Mental Wellness: Oophorectomy, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Dana is a dedicated literacy educator, passionate social justice advocate, and resilient survivor of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Her personal and professional journey reflects a profound commitment to both individual healing and com...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 14
•
1:10:52
Maternal Suicide: A Mother's Reflection on Perinatal Depression
Susan Aguayo was born in Peru and immigrated to New York at the age of five. As the eldest of three siblings, she quickly adapted to her new environment, learning English to connect with others. Following the birth of her younger sister and her...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 13
•
48:24
Chasing the Rainbows: Creating Community in the Aftermath of Grief
This episode features Bernice Quesenberry, CEO and Founder of Chasing the Rainbows. This is a heartfelt and empowering episode that dives deep into trauma, healing, and hope, covering reproductive conditions, pregnancy loss, secondary infertili...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 12
•
1:01:16
Unexpected Single Motherhood: Melting Imposter Syndrome Through Purpose
Nicole shares her wisdom melting shame and imposter syndrome amidst multiple life transitions; divorce, starting a company, and an unexpected transition to single motherhood. Nicole Manstrangelo traded in her successful corporate ca...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 11
•
48:03
The Motherhood Survival Manual: A Perinatal Physician's Approach to Preventing PMADs
Dr. Jill Zechowy, MD, MS, is a perinatal mental health physician. Motivated by her own struggle with postpartum anxiety, she combines her knowledge of perinatal psychology and family medicine to help pregnant women and mothers thrive. ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 10
•
45:47
The Mindset Tapestry: Treating PMADs with a Healthy Mindset
Deanna Blasi DeAndino is the founder and CEO of The Mindset Tapestry, an educational children’s brand designed to help children develop healthy mindsets and empower caregivers to raise emoti...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 9
•
28:14
The Basics of Infertility: How Fertility & Reproductive Counseling Offers Hope
Dr. Amy Balete walks the audience through the basics of infertility and outlines how fertility and reproductive counseling can offer hope through a safe counseling space. She covers a wide gamut of topics such as primary and secondary infertili...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 8
•
42:22
The Motherhood Village: The Power of Community, Empathy, and Self-Advocacy
Nicole Gonzalez-Cumberbatch is the Founder of The Motherhood Village and shares her journey toward creating a thriving organization which supports mothers. The creation of The Motherhood Village stems from her bumpy transition not only to mothe...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 7
•
44:51
Subtle Shifts in Healing from Vaginal and Rectal Prolapse
Colleen Avis is an award-winning author and life coach helping others unlock their potential and create sacred spaces where authenticity, confidence, and joy thrive. With over a decade of expertise and a deeply personal healing journey, she emp...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 6
•
49:17
Beyond Postpartum Depression: Meaning Making Amidst Colic, Gestational Diabetes, and Pubis Symphysis Dysfunction
Courtney is a postpartum depression survivor, wife, mom, and a writer who believes firmly that sharing our stories can greatly impact the lives of others. Courtney became a mom in early 2020, and her experiences with postpartum depression, post...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 5
•
53:15
Maternal Mental Health: Pioneering Better Access to Telehealth
Dr. Emily Guarnotta is pioneering telehealth for maternal mental health. As the co-founder of Phoenix Health, Dr. Guarnotta leads a practice dedicated to providing online therapy for maternal mental health concerns, infertility, and grief. She ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 4
•
36:43
A Complex Perinatal Journey: Beyond Postpartum and Movement Toward Healing & Recovery
Celeste Brinkerhoff is a certified peer support specialist and holistic health coach dedicated to assisting individuals in achieving mental and physical well-being. She offers personalized coaching services through her platform, Mentally Real, ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 3
•
42:48
Comprehensively Supporting Parents Beyond Six Weeks: The Mama Coach Covers Top Postpartum Tips.
Ashli Daley shares her comprehensive approach to healthily transitioning to parenthood. As an experienced Registered Nurse, Ashli shares her value in having a trusted support network. Ashli shares her expertise in and mission for prenatal ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 2
•
42:15
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders: What to Look for When Screening.
Thanks for stopping by! We'd love to hear from you. In this episode, Lynn Ingram McFarland explores the crucial role of screening for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, highlighting why early detection matters for both families and communiti...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 1
•
42:47