Having six children means Shari Stamps knows a fair bit about preparing for postpartum. Since having kids, she's dedicated her life to growing her experience as a perinatal professional, taking many courses including doula training. Now she's sharing her wisdom from her own parenting experience plus her professional training with us. Hear Shari's tips for postpartum and birth preparation, including: Who to Include in a Comprehensive Support Village When to Start Putting Resources in Place Clinical Vs Non-clinical Support Postpartum Advice on Preparing One’s Home, Nurturing Relationships, and ..read more

This episode features Kiran Saluja, the Executive Director of the PHFE WIC (Women Infants Children) Program. She is a respected authority in the field of nutrition and breastfeeding. With a career spanning nearly 40 years, Kiran brings an exceptional depth of knowledge and passion to our discussion.  We talk about common breastfeeding challenges and solutions, nutritional guidance, and the significance of building a robust support network, including practical advice on:  What Diet to Maintain While Breastfeeding Recognizing Infant Cues Managing Postpartum Expectations How Every ..read more

Here to answer the questions you always wanted to ask is Esther Gallagher, long-time birth and postpartum doula. Top questions on this episode include: Are Doulas Worth It? How Much Do they Cost and how do I get the service paid for? Can doulas bill my insurance / is it covered? What about workplace incentives like Carrot and Hello Cleo? Do doulas charge differently for virtual support? What about Medicaid paying for doulas? I’m someone who has had past trauma and I need special kind of support from my doula. Can they help? What is Trauma Informed Care? In terms of advocacy, can you advocate ..read more

Leading pediatric sleep consultant Dr Angelique Millette answers the Top 10 Baby Sleep Questions every parent asks. We discuss real solutions that are safe and developmentally appropriate for your baby. We talk about solutions that really work and give you and your family the rest you need.  We all know how important sleep is for our mental and physical wellness, and so we’re diving into the topic with someone who has dedicated her life’s work to family sleep solutions - 25 years helping over 15,000 families. Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com Links and resources mentioned: angel ..read more

How can partners prepare for the fourth trimester? Sure, we have lots of practical suggestions such as relationship proofing, practical preparation, but there are some big considerations outside the practical. Listen in to learn how to create a level of connectedness that will ease the way for everything else that is to come. Enjoy! Sarah and Esther xo Full episode notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com ..read more

Parents benefit hugely from having regular and purposeful emotional outlets - when we take care of our own emotions, we are able to be more present, patient and connected with our children and families.  Listening Partnerships are a tool we recommend for every parent to keep in their parenting toolbox. Why? It's FREE, it takes 5 mins a week, and it has tremendous benefits!!!  Sarah and her real-life listening partner Kaitlin Solimine break down how to create and benefit from a listening partnership. Tune in to learn:  What is a Listening Partnership  Benefits of Listening ..read more

It's Black Maternal Health Week and in this episode Sarah talks with Dr Amanda P Williams about the current state of postpartum maternal health and birth equity. Sarah first heard Dr Williams give the keynote talk at the Future of Maternal Care Summit. She invited Dr Williams onto the program to share her insights with all of our Fourth Trimester listeners. Dr Williams is raising the bar for all birthing people and families by helping hospitals and innovators with improved practices and solutions. She is the Clinical Innovation Advisor with the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative. H ..read more

Sarah, Nancy Myrick (Certified Nurse Midwife and birth center Director) and Leda Mast (Board Member of the SF Birth Center Foundation) discuss the ins and outs of birthing at a birth center.  They talk through the unique benefits birth centers offer and explore a wide range of birth center related topics designed to help inform the birthing journey, including: Birth framework: Three Main Options for Where to Give Birth - Hospital, Birth Center, Home What a Birth Center is Why People Choose Birth Centers What It is Like to Give Birth at a Birth Center Who is a Good Candidate How Unforesee ..read more

In this episode of Fourth Trimester, we're joined by Dr. Melissa Dennis, a seasoned OBGYN with over two decades of experience in healthcare. Dr. Dennis shares her evidence-based insights and practical advice on how to navigate the often-overlooked but critical phase of birth recovery.  We discuss essential knowledge and practices that can support smoother recoveries and enhance the overall post-birth experience, including:  The Role of An OBGYN Birth Team Scenarios  An Overview of the Six Week Check  Top Recommendations for Improving the Birth Recovery Experience Full sh ..read more

Unlock the secrets of newborn brain development with Childhood Educator Rebecca Walsh. Discover how to wire your baby for success. Listen to the full episode to learn what you need to know for helping your baby develop intelligence, plus the strong interpersonal and soft skills they’ll require later in life - both the EQ and IQ. You'll learn: * How the brain develops * What parents can do practically to optimize that development * "Serve and Return" interaction concept * How supporting your infant during the first year of life helps set them up for success as older kids and adults * Example ro ..read more