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

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

In this episode of Fourth Trimester Podcast, functional medicine dietitian Bridgitte Mallinson joins us to explore the essentials of prenatal vitamins. She illuminates the purpose of various supplements, emphasizing their critical role in nurturing both maternal and fetal health throughout pregnancy. Bridgitte explains which vital nutrients expectant mothers should prioritize and highlights red flags to watch out for when selecting prenatal supplements, empowering listeners to make informed choices tailored to their unique needs. Listen to the full episode to learn all about: * What prena ..read more

This episode is a guide for how friends or family members can take a deeply human and holistic approach to supporting birthgivers when professional doula services are either inaccessible or unaffordable. Importantly, your support person (or persons if you are able to secure multiple helpers!) can provide crucial support before, during and after childbirth. Whoever is attending your birth - and/or helping you after the birth - must give this one a listen - your mom, your partner, your sibling, your friend, or anyone else who will be there. Listen to the full episode to hear step-by-step guida ..read more

Gina Mundy is an attorney that specializes in childbirth cases and she is a bestselling author. For over two decades, she has analyzed the mistakes that are made during labor and delivery. Drawing on this knowledge, she has authored the book "A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth" to help parents prevent these mistakes and have a healthy baby. Sarah and Gina discuss proactive steps parents can take in order to help ensure a safer birth experience. Overall, the focus is on transforming fear and uncertainty around childbirth into an empowered and educated journey toward a safe and joyous birth ..read more

Did you know that appropriate, nurturing touch can relieve stress (for baby and parent/caregiver), facilitate secure attachment, optimize brain development, and potentially set a baby up for life to be a stable and healthy human? In this episode we will talk about the immense benefits of massaging your baby. Special guest Kari Marble, certified infant massage therapist, meditation leader and birth educator, shares wisdom drawn from her 20+ years in the healing arts. We cover: *When it is appropriate to start infant massage *What to expect from a baby massage *How parents can build nurturing to ..read more